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At age 72, Paul Vincent Davi's continues to inspire and amaze his peers
Paul Vincent Davis' devotion to puppetry continues with new works - engaging, educating and entertaining his admirers.
Davis kicked off 2007 with his newest production, Here Come the Clowns, at the Puppet Showplace Theatre in Brookline, Massachusetts, where he has logged nearly three decades as Artist in Residence. On January 5, Davis celebrated his 72nd birthday and the world premiere of his latest performance. The revelry included playful clowns, attendees adorned in glorious red clown noses and a giant birthday cake.
"There couldn't have been a more fitting time to debut Paul's newest show and appreciate his art form than on his birthday," explained Kris Higgins, Puppet Showplace Theatre's Executive Director. "With the excitement of his birthday and the premiere, he said he felt more like five years old than 72."
Here Come the Clowns is his first production designed specifically for preschoolers. Inspiration for the show came from the question Davis raised, "how can I create a show to make children less afraid of clowns?" Davis wanted to share his childhood enthusiasm for clowns with his young audience. "I would love kids to laugh and love clowns as much as I do," Davis remarked. "I think kids are going to love it." The 45-minute show includes a dozen segments starring Davis' innovative and funny clowns sporting various styles, including Circus, Classic and Auguste clowns. The show opens with the construction of a sign that spells "clowns" and Dusty the janitor clown, whose head resembles that of a brush, takes the spotlight in just about every scene.
The Paul Vincent Davis Method
Like most puppeteers, Davis does it all- designing and building the puppets, sets, scenery and backdrops, all in his modest apartment workshop. Davis' extensive background in theater includes acting, directing and set painting. He brings a full range of skills into play in his one-man productions. "Paul's performances are magic. He doesn't present just a puppet show, but a theatrical experience," remarked Kathleen Conroy Mukwashi, Puppet Showplace Theatre's Artistic Director.
Davis' techniques have varied over the years. He has sculpted the heads in clay, making plaster molds and casting them in rubber. Later, he found that Styrofoam and...