Angélica Santander is a clown, director and early years practitioner. Her work combines theatrical, circus and clowning elements. She strives to create original work that exposes and questions the essence of our humanity, its ridiculousness, purpose, fears, and desires.
Angélica is interested in exploring themes that are relevant to our times, such as climate change, equality, migration-immigration and technology. To create work that is challenging and inspiring for children and adults alike.
She is currently touring Juanita’s Big Problem, a 50-minute solo clown show that deals with plastic pollution and Desert Bloom, an early years show inspired on the magic of nature. In May 2026 she premiered the solo clown show TOO LATE at the Grace O’Malley Festival, which had a great reception by the audience.
For more information about these shows, see ISACS Artists Showcase Booklet.
Desert Bloom – Angelica SantanderJuanita’s Big Problem tackles plastic pollution. Why did you choose humour and clowning to address this issue?
As an artist, I feel the impulse of tackling themes that are relevant to our days. Plastic pollution is a big problem in our society, so I decided to create a show to shine a light into the depth of this problem. A show for all audiences that encourages them to ask questions and talk about it. So we can find answers together as a collective.
I believe in the transformative effect of laughter, it changes perspectives and lightens up the burden somehow. It creates community and belonging; it shows us that we are more similar than we think.
Clown is the perfect art form to express the urgency of this problem in a light and humorous way, creating possibilities and space for reflection. Adding a positive tone rather than feeding the climate anxiety that some people may feel.
Desert Bloom is inspired by the power of nature. What messages do you hope children take from that journey?
Desert Bloom was inspired by the desire to reconnect with my own childhood and roots. Recalling the landscape of my ancestors, I want to capture nature’s magic and encourage curiosity for it. This show is a sweet tale of how nature unravels and shows us its infinite knowledge and power.
Specifically created for young audiences, Desert Bloom is a celebration of nature’s display of beauty, intelligence and resilience.
I want to remind everyone that the beauty and magic of nature is everywhere around us, even in a desert landscape.
What is it about clowning that continues to inspire you as an artist?
I believe that laughter has a transformative effect on people; everything can be said and expressed through laughter. We all become one when we laugh; it changes our mood and can even change the way we see things.
Clowning is that challenge to be able to laugh at our ridiculousness, to show our vulnerability and fears, to be humans.
It allows me to tackle difficult subjects with humor and irreverence; it also allows the audience to laugh at themselves through me. It is reflective and profound as well as rebellious and ridiculous.
As a performer, Clowning offers me infinite possibilities, new ways of thinking and doing. It requires mental and emotional flexibility and offers the freedom and pleasure of being present. Clowning is organised chaos and allows me to be lost and present at the same time.
What excites you most about the potential of developing new street performance work?
The challenge of developing new work for the streets is what excites me the most.
To develop work that engages and entertains audiences of all ages, genders and social status at the same time. To create performances that stop people in their tracks with their charm and display of skills. To develop shows that are flexible and adaptable to all kinds of factors that the street may present.
I love the fact that street performances are democratic and available to all kinds of people, reaching further into the community and society.
Angélica has been awarded an ISACS bursary to attend a 2-week street arts training programme in Catalunya at SPASA Summer Academy.
SPASA supports artists who want to delve deeper into street arts, combining theory, practice and immersive experience to enhance creativity, critical thinking and the link with public space. Hear Angélica’s aspirations for SPASA.