Send in the clown

Slava's Snowshow is a stage show created and staged by Russian performance artist Slava Polunin. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Russian funny man Slava Polunin brings his show to China

Russian Slava Polunin remembers his friends laughing when he imitated Charlie Chaplin's walk after watching The Kid as a kid - and realizes it may have been the start of his career.

"I believe that I was born a clown," the 67-year-old says.

Polunin went on to win such honors as the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Entertainment, which is presented annually by the Society of London Theatre.

He recently visited Beijing to introduce his award-winning performance, Slava's Snowshow, which was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Special Theatrical Event.

It will be staged through Sept 3 in Beijing's Tianqiao Performing Arts Center. It will run in Shanghai on Sept 14 and 15.

The show combines elements of clowning, mime, dance, visual effects and classic scores. It has been staged around the world over 6,000 times since 1993.

It appeals to different countries' audiences, Polunin says.

Its absurdity appeals to Brits. Spanish appreciate its passion. Its poetic quality appeals to French. And its soulfulness comes from Russia.

The (London) Telegraph says: "Slava's Snowshow touches the heart as well as the funny bone. Full of laughter and joy, it is a thing of rare theatrical beauty not to be missed."