Alchemy of Snowness

Alchemy of Snowness is the story of Slava Polunin, an artist, a creator, a performer, and of his Snowshow, the theatre spectacle that has entertained, enchanted and touched audiences worldwide. The book traces Slava’s artistic journey and exhilarating exploration in his creation of "a show that would bring us back to our childhood dreams; a
show which would help spectators be released from the jail of adulthood and rediscover their forgotten childhood." With 27 stunning illustrations throughout by artist Quint Buchholz punctuating Slava’s poetic storytelling, this book is a must-read for anyone intrigued by the creative process and for those longing for a little magic in their lives.

Slava Polunin is a Russian performance artist and clown. He began his creative career in pantomime before progressing to clowning. His character Asisyai first appeared on television in 1980-81. Drawing on elements of Leonid Engibarov’s clownery, Marcel Marceau’s pantomime and Charlie Chaplin’s films, Slava’s Asisyai gave the world a new dialogue on love, loneliness and the longing for human understanding. Slava’s Snowshow has been a hit around the world and won the Drama Desk Award for Unique Theatrical Experience and was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Special Theatrical Event. Natasha Tabachnikova, an acclaimed theatre critic, has published a large body of articles on street theatre, plastic theatre and the art of clownery as well as on the theory of theatre and drama. She has been working with Slava Polunin for 30 years as executive producer and press secretary.