“A Clown is a poet in action.” - Henry Miller

Art is blood.

A smile is holy.

The state is horror.

And the clown refuses to die.

Continuing our “Investigations of a Clown” concept which began with the ceaseless workshopping of Beckett’s early and late monologues, Kangalee Arts now creates a new mono-drama that fuses the personal, the political and the poetic. 

This haunting tale about a clown who wishes to imbue everlasting joy to his audience is a heartbreaking parable of the artist's struggle in a society that refuses both joy…and love.

PERFORMED BY DENNIS LEROY KANGALEE

DIRECTED BY MAGUS MAGNUS

WRITTEN BY KANGALEE & MAGNUS

Only a clown and poet are foolish to even risk such things!

[All Photos by Susan Kingsland]

Poster design by Bill Mazza

[Artwork by Dani Kriatura, 2025]

What is it about the smile? How dare one desire to ascend or transcend…

A radical adaptation of Miller's short story THE SMILE AT THE FOOT OF THE LADDER Presented by J Stock Productions and the Henry Miller Memorial Library: For the first time in the U.S., the Kangalee Arts Ensemble will stage Henry Miller's most mysterious story, with approval from the Henry Miller Estate.

[Artwork by Brian Alessandro 2025]