REUNITED and it feels so..Oh wait I HATE you!

I'm doing what I do best.

Traveling and making people laugh.

Well, that's up for debate. But someone else can

start a forum discussion on what exactly Rob Lok does best.

But I digress

Oh, did you know that PT Barnum's American Museum was so popular that people would spend the entire day there?

This cut into profits, as the museum would be too full to squeeze another person in. In classic Barnum style, old P.T. put up signs that said "This Way to the Egress." Many customers followed the signs, not realizing that Egress was a fancy word for "Exit." They kept on looking for this strange new attraction, the "Egress".

Many patrons followed the signs right out the door! Once they had exited the building, the door would lock behind them, and if they wanted to get back in, they had to pay another admission charge!

(used from ptbarnum.org)

But I digress

I just spent the month of February touring North America performing a show I've been developing the last few months specifically to play at street theatre festivals and stages.

It's called THE OLD GUY

I performed shows in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and Alberta, Canada.

I will write a more detailed account about that tour in a later note.

What I really wanted to write about here is a little closer to the heart.

My relationship with my professional clown partners.

Everyone knows the foundation of a good partnership in comedy is built on trust, patience and communication.

Laurel and Hardy. Comedy team created by the Comedy GODS

Well unfortunately, as far as my working habits go, I flushed trust and patience down the toilet. And I am a mime when it comes to communication.

As a professional circus clown and variety performer, I have worked with approximately six partners in fourteen years.

I am on speaking terms with two of them.

Don't get me wrong. I'm actually a very nice guy. (Also up for debate)

It's just that when it comes to my professional work, I am a complete perfectionist and I am completely convinced that nobody, ABSOLUTELY NOBODY, can perform it better than me. (just ask anybody at CB FRESH)

I learned that this attitude can really alienate and piss people off.

I've tried to change over the years. I really have. The move to Asia really mellowed me out in terms of my how I approach my circus and clown work. (My production work, on the other hand, still needs work)

There was always this tinge of sadness within me on how I screwed up my working relationships with my ex clown partners.

Then an opportunity popped up in New York City while I was passing through.

I was given the chance to perform any act I wanted in the

The New York Downtown Clown Revue

Since two of my ex-clown partners happen to be in the NYC area, I decided to brush off

the ole' clown acts, tune up the tried and true slapstick routines, and reopen a small can of hate.

I emailed Christina and Erin to see if they were even a bit interested in getting together again and possibly performing some of our old bits.

A few things I wanted them to understand:

The piece should be a parody of our past working relationships.

This was going to be fun.

I won't control the creative process.

Let them have fun.

Oh, in case you're wondering, I'm not just a pain to female partners. I have been known to inspire complete loathing from male partners as well.

Yep, Rob Lok. Equal Opportunity A$$hole.

After all that was said and done, they both agreed to be a part of it. Hurrah!!

A bit of digital brainstorming, a few diner meals and a short rehearsal in Harlem, show time was upon us!

t he following photos by photographer Jim Moore

The seething critical me began early in the act

If I can't work with you, I'm just going to throw you!

Wait! Wait! I'm sorry I called you a DANCER!!!

How do YOU think it went?

Can I have another partner please?

no no No, the right foot in, the right foot out, you do the....nevermind

Look at me. I'm Rob Lok. I'm such a bad a$$

I CAN'T work in these conditions!!!

Well, how do you think it went? GREAT!

Thank you Christina

Thank you Erin

You both rock my world.