The decade of the 70's brought change to Humboldt County and one of the most positive changes was the addition of Dell' Arte to Blue Lake. The fledgling organization believed in itself, grew steadily and eventually became the world famous Dell'Arte International School of Physical Theatre.

Their mission is to develop actor-creators through training in mime, mask, movement and ensemble creation. They have been on their mission for decades and every year they have created and presented some of the most entertaining physical theatre.

That journey continues in 2008 as the organization has prepared another outstanding program: “Flops Popping, an evening of clown.”

It will be held in the Carlo Theatre in Blue Lake on April 24th, 25th and 26th with show time being at 8 p.m.. The cost is reasonable on any level, with $7 general, $5 senior/student being the cost of the Friday and Saturday shows. As a gesture to the community Thursdays performance will be, “Pay what you can,” so that more locals may enjoy the entertainment.

Flops Popping invites the audience to enter the hysterical, ridiculous and absurdly sublime world of the Clown -- a world in which failure is rewarded by laughter.

Directed by master teacher and veteran clown performer, Ronlin Foreman, this show is serious about clowning. Clowning is a very interesting business and many former Dell'Arte students have taken their clown characters to perform with such troupes as Cirque du Soleil and Ringling Bros. Circus.

One of the unique aspects of Dell'Arte is that its students come from all over the world. Their history and languages are all different, but their love of theatre and physical comedy are the common denominators that draw them together. This current production will call on 24 separate students to perform a grave task...to produce laughter.

These students are from Norway, Korea, Canada and of course, the United States.

”The emphasis is on laughter, and how to provoke the audience to laugh,” Foreman said. The ages range from 19 to 38.

The classic “red nosed” clown will be represented in this production, as will the eccentric absurdity of the character clown. These Dell'Arte characters will dive into situations guaranteed to make you revel in a world gone awry. The beauty of these situations is that they are all created and enacted by the brilliant cast and their creative leadership. The clowns are all basically first year students. When Dell'Arte representative Joan Schirle was asked if some students had larger roles, she quickly replied, “No, as a matter of fact they should all have about the same amount of time to perform.”

The quality of the show being presented is always a reflection on the ability of those creating and leading. In the case of Flops Popping much of the credit for creation and production go to Ronlin Foreman, Master Teacher.

Foreman has been associated with Dell'Arte for well over 20 years, and has been a faculty member since 2002. He is a consummate performer, a playwright, director and teacher. Foreman's experience has been gathered from over a quarter century of study, participation and teaching in the magical realm of theatre. This production will be special because of Foreman, as he has a way of bringing out the best qualities of each student. His vast experience and human chemistry allows him to work with these 24 completely different personalities from around the world, and have them put on an incredibly hilarious 90-minute show that will have the audience laughing the entire time.

”Flops Popping-an evening of clown,” will take place today, April 24th. This evening's performance will be a pay what you can show. The show will also be shown Friday and Saturday at the Carlo Theatre in Blue Lake. It is an all age show and again admission is $7/general, $5 senior/student. Tickets will be available at the door and for more information dial 688-5663.