A Clown’s Simple Mind

Whenever I explain to people what a Medical Clown is, the question I am most often asked is: “What kind of person can become a Medical Clown?”

Faced with this question, I never know where to begin. Because the answer is truly a long story: a Medical Clown is a profession. They must possess strong psychological qualities and performance skills, and be able to respond in the best possible way at any time when faced with ever-changing situations. More importantly—even in the saddest and heaviest moments, a clown can find poetry and humor in the darkness, and find the light. This truly is an astonishing ability, almost like a supernatural power!

In particular, since 2020, because of the pandemic, clowns have been unable to enter hospitals for most of the time. Our services have also changed from face-to-face performances in hospitals to remote performances via video. We originally thought this would be a formidable challenge, but, surprisingly, every video call still showed children on the other side of the screen laughing and playing joyfully with the clowns!

After observing countless clown performances, I think I have finally understood a tiny part of the secret behind them. That secret is: the clown’s simple mind.

A clown’s thoughts are simple and clear. In the eyes of children enduring illness, the clown can always see the desire to play and the innocence hidden beneath the surface. Because to a clown, whether sick or healthy, a child is simply a child. The clown’s simplicity makes her always assume that everyone in the world will open their arms to welcome her, and she sincerely believes that all children are her allies, admirers, most important people, and greatest companions. When a clown believes this so sincerely, it is difficult for the audience not to believe it as well.

But although clowns are simple, they are not foolish. Their clear hearts actually come from seeing through the truths of life. They live in the present and never give up. They always believe that human nature is inherently good. Even when they are pranked, they still believe that they are the best, most beautiful, and most handsome. And they always give everything they have and do their utmost, bringing out their very best. Even if their best may be utterly disregarded by others, they will always believe that one day they will succeed.

A clown performance is like a spiritual practice. A clown performing in a hospital is even more like a troubadour on a battlefield: even amid a hail of bullets, they can still pluck a flower from the ground at the most difficult moment and sing the most beautiful poem.

In hospitals, clowns are not there to “care for” or “help” sick children. Their task is to earnestly and joyfully spend these ten minutes together with the children. To play together, imagine together, and simply and earnestly sing a song together. To let children be children.

I sincerely believe that our association’s greatest asset is this group of professional and precious Dr. Red Nose. Helping the general public understand the necessity and significance of their presence in medical institutions will also be our greatest challenge.