"Stand Up and Fall Down" is a 60-minute solo show by Peter Shub in the theatre at Espacio La Granja in Santa Cruz, Tenerife. The show is part of the 20th edition of the Festival Internacional Clownbaret, for which Espacio La Granja is once again one of the venues. The performance is recommended for children aged eight and over.
Shub works with the logic of the clown, transforming mistakes, doubts and everyday clumsiness into visual comedy. Rather than relying primarily on spoken punchlines, he develops his scenes through gestures, rhythm, physical theatre and direct interaction with the audience. The show is described as minimalist physical comedy featuring observational humour, parody, irony and slapstick, partly delivered in his characteristic 'Denglish'.
On stage, Shub plays with objects, light, sounds and reactions from the audience. The programme notes mention, amongst other things, a dog lead without a dog, a crookedly hanging coat, a camera tripod that appears to be moving, and small actions from which he creates comical situations. When asked what the performance is about, he sums it up succinctly himself: "Well… it's just 60 minutes."
Peter Shub, born in Philadelphia in 1957, works as an actor and freelance director. He has collaborated with international theatres and productions, appeared on television programmes such as 'Just For Laughs' in Montreal, and has received, amongst other honours, the Jury Prize at the Cannes International Theatre Festival for his comedy solo 'Nice Night for an Evening', as well as the Silver Clown at the Monte Carlo International Circus Festival. Tickets were on sale for six euros; advance sales are now sold out.