Hofesh Shechter's Clowns

Reimagined for the screen, Hofesh Shechter’s "Clowns" is a powerful reflection on society’s obsession with violence. Directed, choreographed, and composed by Shechter himself, this short but impactful piece explores a macabre comedy of murder and desire, questioning the lengths to which we’ll go for entertainment.

Set in a grotesque circus, dancers dressed as 18th-century clowns perform against a backdrop of a dramatic Big Top curtain and blaring theatrical lights. The camera captures the electric intensity of Shechter's tribal choreography bringing you face to face with the dancer's raw energy. The percussive and cinematic score - a blend of electronic and orchestral elements - underscores the aggressive rhythm of the performance. Schechter's visionary choreography and direction marries dark humor with stinging social commentary, showcasing his talent for capturing the political and social zeitgeist and transforming it into powerful and provocative dance.

★★★★ "Shechter’s work gets under the skin. His music is part of that, the bounding drumbeat on unflagging loop, matched by the repetitive riffs of his dancers. And even without narrative he’s able to create a genuine sense of drama." - The Guardian