War of the Clowns

Pea Green is currently developing a new piece entitled War of the Clowns.

War of the Clowns is our third period piece and is inspired by actual historical events, rituals and characters from 17th century Switzerland. Setting our play in this distant historical period allows us the opportunity to provide a cultural commentary for our own times.

Synopsis: A pair of impoverished 17th Century street performers (Vilhelm and Schpitl) try to perfect their "William Tell" clown routine. They are rudely interrupted by a bloodthirsty, clown-hating military man named Captain General Vaggis.

They flee for their lives to the more "artist friendly" city of Berne. Vilhelm and Schpitl hope to celebrate Fasnacht with the good citizens of Berne but they are immediately caught up in a peasant revolt.

They join forces with a cynical peasant leader in a desperate attempt to fend off the Captain General's massive army. And so the stage is set for the first (and only) War of the Clowns.