War and Play: A Clown Odyssey of Survival

Overview

War and Play is an interactive, devised clown show that explores the power of joy in the face of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Our story follows the journey of a queer clown couple, Vira (Ania Upstill) and Nadiya (Danielle Levsky), whose peaceful world is shattered after Russia launches its full-scale attack on their homeland. As we follow their struggles, a third clown (Mariko Iwasa) transforms to embody the many faces impacted by war: a street performer, a soldier, an aid worker, and a new friend named Lubo. Together, the clowns bring the audience on an emotional journey that ranges from fanciful optimism to sudden, wrenching grief.

War and Play is a tightrope walk between despair and wonder, where clowning becomes a tool to wrestle with the realities of Ukraine’s enduring struggle, a conflict that has smoldered since 2014 and erupted into full-scale invasion in February 2022. The clowns don’t ignore suffering; instead, they wield joy as a weapon against grief, they find the ridiculous within the tragic.

Our production utilizes clowning’s unique capacity for vulnerability to express universal human experiences and connect with everyone in the room. In a world scarred by prolonged conflict, the simple act of cultivating joy becomes a profound act of resistance—a reminder that even in the darkest times, we always have capacity for light.

About the Artist

Danielle Levsky (they/she) is a queer transdisciplinary artist whose practice integrates physical theater, clowning, writing, and community education to examine the intersections of queerness and historical memory. Originally from Chicago, they are currently based in West Philly. As the child of Soviet Jewish refugees, issues of diaspora, tradition, and resilience and have deeply shaped Danielle's work. She aims to create intimate, socially engaged performances that use humor to grapple with issues of justice and collective healing. Their artistic approach is rooted in the belief that clowning can serve as a tool for activism and cultural change. By accessing clown's vulnerability and spirit, we open portals to having necessary conversations and uplifting underserved voices.