From The Desk Of Our Editorial Associate, Anna Kritikos

Salutations!

My name: Anna Kritikos

my game: clown

I write to you as a freshly appointed Editorial Associate for the Medical Clown Project. I’m quite keen on learning all I can about the art and way of the clown and aspire to apply the philosophical underpinnings of the form  and craft in my day to day life. I want to embrace the ridiculousness within me and ignite more laughter in those around me as I journey through this wonderful life of mine. And taking on this volunteer post on the Editorial Squad here at MCP feels pretty perfect. I covet this role as Smaug the great beast protected his heaps of gold and wealth. 

In the olden daye, it is said, clowns were considered to be deeply spiritual; in fact many clergy folk in the medieval times would bring their congregants to clown town- I believe wholly that the work of a pure and honest clown- one so present and open hearted, and desiring really only one thing- the laugher of their audience- is indeed very noble. Laughter is an enormous gift – it’s one of the finest ways of transforming dull and tired eyes into beautiful twinkling ones. Clown maestro Phillips Gaulier defined beauty as “anyone in the grip of pleasure.” 

PUBLISHED STUDIES OF THIS EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE

I love that I am a part of this great enterprise, The MCP and supporting their awesome mission.  Sending clowns into places often bereft of laughter, pleasure, and beauty is a magical pursuit. Hospitals and other facilities for the sick and vulnerable are often in desperate need of the freedom and sparks of joy a clown can create. A clown can bring such joy and sparkle into a room and transform it into a delightful world, leading to a more joyous outlook for the patient.

Thank you very heartily for reading this here letter and for being so supportive of the work we do. With clowning, anything is possible – thank you for being a crucial part of this magic.

With Love,

Anna