2007 New York Clown Theatre Festival Reviews

Patatrac

reviewed by Nancy Kim

Oct 14, 2007

In Italian, patatrac is the onomatopoeic equivalent of "crash." Cracks, bangs, blasts, pops, trills, honks, and many other delightful and goofy sounds need no translation in Delikatessenduo's performance. In their U.S. debut, the duo of clowns Moreno Raspanti and Christina Glogowsky are charming and buoyant with their family-friendly treat.

A trim and petite Glogowsky appears on a stage already set with some Brooklyn native found objects and a small podium draped with the Delikatessenduo's banner. While she starts playing her accordion as any clown is apt to do, a mischievous Raspanti comes on stage and decides to join the fun. He pulls out a recorder and interrupts Glogowsky with his own little solo. Glogowsky won't have any interruptions, and so begins a friendly battle where Raspanti continually brings forth instrument after instrument from his threadbare costume.

Before long, when it's not possible for Raspanti to reveal any more instruments, he discovers how everyday objects can also serve him well: a bike pump, straw, music stand, and others. He also brings to the stage some homemade musical contraptions. One such contraption is referred to as his "Ferrari," wheeled on stage, a buggy of found objects.

Though these clowns say few words, the live patatracs and other sounds still make wonderful and joyous noise. At the end, Glogowsky and Raspanti do treat us to a song about a tooth cavity sung in Italian. And even then, no translation is necessary.

Presented by Delikatessenduo