Slava Polunin

Slava Polunin is a Russian performance artist, clown, and director who is best known for his creation of the theatrical production, Slava's Snowshow. Born in 1950 in Novosibirsk, Polunin grew up in a family of circus performers and began his career as a clown at the age of 18. He later attended the Leningrad State Institute of Theatre, Music, and Cinematography, where he studied pantomime and clowning.

Polunin's early career was spent touring with various circuses and theater companies throughout Russia and Europe. In 1981, he founded the Litsedei Theatre Company in Saint Petersburg, which became known for its innovative and experimental performances. It was during this time that Polunin began to develop his signature style of clowning, which blended traditional circus clowning with elements of mime, physical theater, and surrealism.
In 1993, Polunin created Slava's Snowshow, a theatrical production that has since become one of the most popular and acclaimed shows in the world. The show, which features a cast of clowns and performers dressed in oversized costumes, is set in a winter wonderland and features a series of vignettes and sketches that explore themes of loneliness, friendship, and the human condition. Slava's Snowshow has been performed in over 80 countries and has won numerous awards, including an Olivier Award for Best Entertainment in 1998.
In addition to his work with Slava's Snowshow, Polunin has also directed and performed in a number of other productions throughout his career. He has collaborated with a variety of artists and companies, including Cirque du Soleil, the Moscow Circus, and the Royal Shakespeare Company. He has also appeared in a number of films and television shows, including the 1998 film Fool's Paradise and the 2012 film Snow Queen.
Despite his success as a performer and director, Polunin remains committed to the art of clowning and the importance of live performance. He has spoken out against the use of technology in theater and has advocated for the preservation of traditional clowning techniques. In 2015, he founded the International School of Slava's Snowshow, a training program for clowns and performers that emphasizes physicality, improvisation, and ensemble work.
Polunin's most recent work includes a revival of Slava's Snowshow, which premiered in Paris in 2019 and has since toured throughout Europe and Asia. The production has been updated with new technology and effects, but still retains the signature style and themes that have made it a beloved classic. Polunin continues to inspire audiences and performers around the world with his unique vision and dedication to the art of clowning.