Why clowning matters in hospitals

A popular concept in the West, hospital clowning is now getting attention in namma ooru. It is aimed at creating a relaxed atmosphere and bringing in happy moments to patients, especially children. Considering its popularity, The Little Theatre has organised a workshop on hospital clowning in Chennai recently.

“A couple of years ago, while doing an online course in child psychology, I got in touch with Sheryl, a hospital clown, from whom I got to know about the concept of hospital clowning. I wanted to introduce this idea to Chennaiites and brought in New York-based Hilary Chaplain, master trainer of medical clowning to do a session a few years ago. But I wanted to hold more such classes and that’s why we did a workshop recently,” says Aysha Rau of The Little Theatre.

Clowning is part of the repertoire of acting skills and the city is blessed with good actors who have great improvisational skills. “We thought it would be easier for the actors to pick up another skill. Around 20 participants from various fields were part of the workshop. Our aim was to introduce what hospital clowning is and introduce theatre as a base for improvisation,” she adds.

The Little Theatre will be opening their first studio at Government Hospital For Children, Egmore, to give creative therapy workshop for terminally ill children and children undergoing chemotherapy.

Research suggests that there are many therapeutic benefits of hospital clowning. Dr Rohini Rau stresses on the need of having hospital clown in every hospital in the country. “We are using laughter as one of the ways in which people can forget what they are undergoing. If you just wear a red nose and quirky costumes, you will not become a hospital clown. You have to undergo proper training — there are a lot of science and protocols behind it. We need to understand the mindset of the patients and act accordingly. A recent study suggests that hospital clowning for children could work wonders as medication given to children prior to surgery to reduce anxiety,” she says.

B Krishnakumar (KK), a theatre and film actor, is one of the prominent hospital clowns in the city. “Apart from developing acting skills, by becoming a hospital clown, an actor is giving back to society in his/her own way. Currently, we organise programmes at Government Hospital For Children, Egmore, but we are expecting support from private hospitals in the city,” he says.

For Abhishek George, a theatre clown, it was more of personal experience. “Bringing smiles to little ones in a hospital is magical. Though a small act, I found a sense of purpose in my life,” he shares.