SEASON 38 | May 2026

Clownidarity Forever
Saturday, May 30th, 2026, 1:30pm - 5:00pm

A fundraiser supporting Gazan Circus performer “Uncle Tito” and Palestinian Theatrical Performer Alaa Shehada

Horse of Jenin trailer:  Trailer

Drag? Clowning? Comedy? Oh my!

Join us at the VORTEX for a day of comedy, drag, and clowning? That's right!

Clownidarity Forever is a fundraising event that seeks to remind people that resistance and building hope can take many forms, such as: laughter, play, and comedy! Proceeds from ticket sales and a portion of vending sales will be donated to Uncle Tito, a clown who is a part of the Gaza Circus School! Donation opportunities are also available on site for Alaa Shehada, the extraordinary artist of The Horse of Jenin.

Watermelon Film Club joins us for tabling and will be giving info on how people can volunteer in Palestine. Palestine Online Store will be also selling olive oil and kufiyas, and a portion of the sales will go towards the fundraiser.

Event Overview:

Doors: 1:30PM

Screening of The Horse of Jenin: 2:00PM
By Alaa Shehada – A Troupe Courage Production
North American Tour Produced by 55B Productions / Jenny Tibbels - “The horse in Arabic is a symbol of freedom. But to us, this horse is much more. This horse is us.” - Built from the debris of a major invasion, the Horse of Jenin sculpture became a constant presence in Alaa’s life growing up in Occupied Palestine. It stood proudly in the center of the city for twenty years, symbolizing hope and resistance. Then, on October 29, 2023, an Israeli bulldozer entered the city, ripping the sculpture from its place — and from its people. Now, Alaa is left wondering… What happened to the horse? Combining storytelling, mask, and stand-up comedy, The Horse of Jenin is constructed from the fragments of Palestinian actor and comedian Alaa Shehada’s own memories and stands as an ode to the power of imagination and the resilience it brings.

Clown Drag Show: 3:45PM