Clowning around with Cirque du Soleil

As Cirque du Soleil: Dralion kicks off its national tour, Citysearch caught up with Gerry the clown who describes his performance as being like a black and white movie inside a colourful show.

Gerry Regitschnig, aka Alberti the clown. Photo: Al Seib

Editorial Review

Did you want to run away and join the circus when you were a child?
I decided to be a clown when I was 12 years old but I was too young to run away with the circus. My dream was very clear and I started to really fight for it when I was 15.

Why did you choose a clowning career?
Clowning for me is like holding a mirror in front of people and making them laugh about themselves. I love it.

Describe your journey towards becoming a clown.
I started to do some pantomime courses in Switzerland and then I jumped on the streets of Europe for some street performances. Later, I went to an Acting School and a Circus School in Budapest where I studied to become Alberti.

Do you ever want to do something different, like be a tight-rope walker, a fire-breather or get a desk job?
In Circus School, you learn to do everything; trapeze, juggling, tight-rope walking, unicycling and classical Ballet. Then you find out with the help of your teachers which direction is best for you. Honestly, I prefer to be on the floor than flying in the air.

There's a fine line between comedy and tragedy. Are you a dark clown, funny clown, both or neither?
I would not say I'm a tragic or a funny clown because to be a good clown all these elements needs to melt together. I'd say my clown is just crazy.

Clowns are known for their tricks. Do you have a speciality?
Tricks are used by magicians. I'm a clown. My trick is to make people laugh.

What's it like being on the road with Cirque du Soleil?
It's a big adventure. We are travelling around the world. We meet new people and cultures… and it's a challenge because the public changes from country to country.

What are you going to do with your spare time in Australia?
Discover the beautiful country, the nature and the beaches.

Cirque du Soleil is a huge hit in Australia and all over the world. Why do you think it is so popular?
Cirque du Soleil is known as the Formula 1 of the circuses. Cirque du Soleil is so unique in the presentations of the shows with the music, the lighting, the costumes, the make-up, and the incredible performances that bring you into another world for two hours.

Dralion is drawn from the dragon, representing the East and the lion, representing the West. Is your performance defined by the show’s theme?
Not really. I see the clowns in the show as a black and white movie in the middle of a colourful show. By being dressed in black and white, we are the link to the public by bringing them back to the reality.

Cirque du Soleil tours nationally from 17 July. Click here for details.

Judith Hatton, Arts Editor, Citysearch