Mr. Chap

Clown Mr. Chap, real name Janusz Russek (Poland), is a clown belonging to the European top. The first circus generation in the family. He studied clowning with the aim of being in this role from the beginning and not as a last resort if he lacks the talent to be a great artist. His wife Aldona was also in the circus. They have two children, both of whom graduated from university and are not continuing in the circus tradition. They are separated for more than ten months of the year. The role of a clown is physically and mentally demanding. As he gets older, he has to take more care of his physical appearance so as not to compromise on the high demands on his performance. However, what is most demanding for him as a person is the mental strain. He works best when the circus is full of spectators. The problem, however, is the days when only a hundred people come to the circus. Even though he does his job to the maximum, the audience's reaction is weak due to the small attendance. Janusz needs the audience and their reaction for his performances, and if he has nowhere to choose from, it is difficult. When the curtain opens, he performs funny scenes, improvises. He simply does his best, with the only goal being to entertain the audience. However, he must not recognize that behind the thick layer of makeup is an ordinary person and his everyday life. When the curtain closes behind the clown and he hides in the shadows of the backstage, he often falls into depression, fatigue, stress, and anger. Why? This may be due to a current health problem that did not allow maximum physical performance, or perhaps a long separation from family or another problem that we experience many times. It is his free choice and the clown's life destiny. To live most of the year on the road in a small caravan and at the same time, without regard for himself, to spread joy and laughter around. And that sometimes hurts a lot.