For Martin D’Souza aka Flubber, founder and creator of the International Clown Festival, it has been a busy week even before Diwali arrived. The Mumbai-based artiste and clown has been on tour across cities like Delhi, Goa, Kolkata and Pune since September. “We started preparing last year, and in fact, have begun preparations for our next tour already,” he laughs. This hectic schedule might feel a stark contrast to the skills and light-hearted moments they will bring to the city stage tomorrow.

“Clowning in India had a very different perception 10 years ago. It has changed. Audiences are now more receptive to international acts, understand the skills, and appreciate new experiments,” he points out. The 10th edition of the festival this year will witness clowns from across 10 different countries featuring acts like Joel and Patricia from the Peru Classic Ballerina Act, Sebastian and Cynthia from Argentina UV juggling, Denis from Brazil, Maria from Russia and jugglers Carlos (Spain) and Antonella (Italy) among others.