Okidok, Ha ha ha

Review in Issue 15-1 | Spring 2003

The opening begins with the two clowns (Xavier Bouvier and Benoit Devos) entering in white costumes, Benoit's wide and roomy and Xavier's tight and fitting. They almost do nothing. They are very good at this and gradually small problems begin to evolve and lead to big cartoon-like gestures. The introduction is gentle, subtle and warms the audience into their world. They then perform eight or so sketches.

The longest and favourite of mine is the cardboard box sketch. Xavier brings on cardboard boxes and tries to build a tower but Benoit takes one away. Games ensue of stealing and chasing until Benoit puts a box on Xavier's head and kicks his bum so he ends up in the middle of a box tower. Then four more boxes are brought on. Problems of height occur when trying to build the tower up. Through throwing and some nifty acrobatics a nine-box-high tower is made, picked up and carried brashly round the stage, juggled between the idiots until it all finally collapses.

The scenes are more than pure action: gestures, timing, simplicity and injections of pure skill occur throughout the whole show. The rustic style to all props and costumes, and the red nose, white make-up and large foam clown shoes give a timeless sense to this talented duo. The clown characters take us into the world of children and simple people who take pleasure in the small things in life, bear no grudges and have fun where they can take it. It is a magical show to lighten the heart and soul. A must-see, not if but when they return.

Presenting Artists
Presenting Venue
Date Seen
  1. Jan 2003

This article in the magazine

Issue 15-1
p. 25