Internationally-recognized clown, Kenny Ahern, makes an appearance at Singapore’s Clown Camp.
Contributed By Ruth Ong
“To laugh is to live” is the simple yet compelling motto that has kept Kenny Ahern, one of the best international family entertainers in the world today, on stage for more than two decades.
In addition to his numerous performances around the globe, he has performed at the White House as well as on MTV. Outside the USA, Ahern has traveled the world, bringing life and laughter to people of different cultures. He has performed at The China International Children Arts Festival, Varieté Theatre Festival in Singapore, the 2005 World Expo in Japan, and The Moscow Circus School.
Ahern started clowning in 1983 when a college professor convinced him to audition for a place in the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus, with whom he later toured. Part of his foundation work required him to do a pupilage with Pavel Groditsky of The Soviet National School for Circus and Variety Arts as well as at the Ringling Brothers & Barnum and Bailey Clown College, where he was also conferred with a Bachelor Degree in Fun Arts (B.FA).
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| CN PHOTO: Desmond Tan |
This July, Ahern, with clowns from all over the world, gathered at the Jubilee Hall in Raffles Hotel for Clown Camp. The show is part of the seven-day Clown Camp featuring top clowns which saw masters of the trade from America, Japan and Malaysia.
Ahern did not just mesmerize audiences with his breath-stopping, eye-popping, ladder-on-chin balancing act, he also managed to cajole some stiff-faced adults to join in the fun. Ahern also lectured at the Clown Camp 2010 which brought 75 professional and “potential” clowns from around the globe together to learn and share.
Ahern is no stranger to City Harvest Children’s Church, having been invited by CHC member and director of social enterprise, CircusOutreach, Knik Pang. Ever since he first stepped on stage in the Children’s Church a couple of years back, Ahern has delighted audiences both young and old with his humorous antics.
In July, in spite of his packed schedule, Ahern once again performed at CHCC, entertaining the children alongside 15 other clowns. His concoction of humor and an unflagging effort to bring love and laughter drew every child to him.
“He is one of the best entertainers we have seen. He was able to engage every single kid. Indeed love begets love: his love for children simply adds a magical touch to his craftsmanship. He would set aside time before his performance to pray; that God would use him to impact the kids, a good example of doing well while doing good,” said Adrian Cheung, a volunteer with CHCC.
Conventionally, clowning is not complete without mismatched costumes and oversized shoes. However, Ahern has brought a new meaning to clowning. But even without gimmicks, Ahern never fails to obtain his well-merited ovation. His habit of adding humor to everyday situations shows the audience that life does not have to be such a dull affair.
For more information, please contact CircusOutreach at Ruth@circusoutreach.org.
