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Jeorge FootitClown
Country:
 Great Britain |
Biography of Geo Footit
Geo Footit, born in 1864 in Nottingham, England, came from a circus family. His father, George, was a clown and mime, while his mother was a rider. After his father's untimely death, Geo's mother remarried a lion tamer named Thomas Batti, who trained Geo in acrobatics and dancing. Geo inherited his father's mime skills and developed into a talented acrobat and dancer.
As a child, Geo frequently visited the Drury Lane Theatre in London, where his father performed funny pantomimes. This sparked Geo's interest in the art of pantomime and the ability to communicate without words. He entertained his peers by imitating his father's performances.
Growing up in a traveling circus, Geo's mother realized that he was not suited to be a rider due to his physique. She gently suggested that he follow in his father's footsteps as a clown. Geo took her advice to heart and began rehearsing clown dances on horseback. Despite the skepticism of his colleagues, Geo's parodic performances became a highlight of the circus program.
During a tour in Glasgow, Geo's talent caught the attention of French artists who recommended him to the director of the Paris Circus. He was invited to perform in Paris, and from that moment, Geo's life became closely intertwined with France, where he gained immense popularity.
The discerning French audience, still remembering the brilliant pantomimes of Debureau, appreciated Geo's extraordinary mime skills. Additionally, Geo's acrobatic abilities and unique dance moves made him a crowd favorite. He quickly became a solo clown in the circus and impressed audiences with his comedic performances.
Geo's clown character, known as the White Clown in Russia and simply the Clown in France, wore a thick layer of white makeup, exaggerated black eyebrows, and a red nose. His costume consisted of a brightly colored jumpsuit with a large collar and a traditional white felt hat.
One of Geo's most successful acts was the "Broken Eggs." He would hide five eggs under his hat, hoping to win a bet, but his partner, Auguste, would playfully hit him on the head, causing the eggs to break. Geo's expressions and physical comedy during this act delighted the audience. The skit also featured a series of acrobatic falls that showcased Geo's impeccable training.
Geo's comedic talents found further application in various sketches and performances, often involving the use of surprising and eccentric props. His collaboration with Auguste, a character similar to a mischievous servant, proved to be a perfect match. Their unique comedic style, known as the English style, became highly popular in Paris.
The famous actress Sara Bernhardt, initially offended by Geo's parodies of her, eventually recognized the wit and charm in his performances. She praised his talent and established a friendly relationship with him.
Geo's desire to form a permanent clown duo led him to Rafael Padilla, a talented mime and African-American artist known as "Chocolat." Despite racial barriers, Geo recognized Chocolat's skills and the potential for a fruitful partnership. They joined forces, creating a harmonious and successful clown duo that brought together their different comedic styles.
The duo's first act, "Melodramatic Recitation," showcased Geo's talents as a melodramatic reciter and Chocolat's whimsical interruptions. The skit involved Geo reciting a serious poem while Chocolat, dressed as a dandy, playfully pours water into his hat. The comedic interaction between the two delighted the audience.
Geo Footit and Chocolat's collaboration marked the beginning of a long and successful career that would leave a significant impact on clowning and comedic performances. Their partnership was characterized by mutual trust, synchronization, and a shared passion for their craft.
Together, Geo Footit and Chocolat became pioneers in the world of comedy, creating a lasting legacy in the circus industry and beyond. Their unique chemistry and comedic genius continue to inspire performers to this day.
