Stage Writing — Danielle Levsky: A Critic Turned Clown

Writing for the Stage

Since creating my clown personas Ella the Clown and Baba Yana, I’ve been writing physical theatre pieces and partially scripted pieces to support my performances.

What is written in the scripts is specific, yes, but as it is clown work, I often veer off from the script to serve and address the audience in the moment. Every show is different this way. I learn the material, the story for the clown, and then work with the audience in an act of joyous and liberating participation.

Some snippets of my work below:

A bit I wrote and performed as the character Sheila Stein in "Ayn Rand’s “It’s a Wonderful Life” as Performed by The Conspirators Under the Direction of Debbie Wasserman Schultz"

A bit Elizabeth McAnulty Quilter and I wrote and performed as Sam and Mary Wainwright in "Ayn Rand’s “It’s a Wonderful Life” as Performed by The Conspirators Under the Direction of Debbie Wasserman Schultz"

Continuation of "Baba Yana Auditions for Beckett: A Show About Nothingness"

Continuation of "Baba Yana Teaches Sex Ed"

Continuation of "Baba Yana Just Wants You Warm", part 1

Continuation of "Baba Yana Just Wants You Warm", part 2

Writing for the Stage

Arts & Culture Journalism