Performer Dimitri still going strong at 80

Dimitri, arguably Switzerland’s most famous living clown, is celebrating his 80th birthday, as well as a remarkable six decades entertaining audiences with his mime performances. (SRF/swissinfo.ch) This year also marks 40 years of the founding of Dimitri’s school for physical theatre. It is in Verscio, a village at the entrance of the Centovalli valley in southern Switzerland where he also lives. The academy is now part of the Swiss school system.  “Without laughter you can survive, but not live,” says Dimitri, adding: “The Swiss are more humorous and original than they’re often given credit for, since they embody a mix of the urbanite and peasant, and if you look at the original meaning of the word ‘clown’ in English it means a simpleton, a peasant”. His performing style includes his trademark face and the use of musical instruments and only a few props. At 80, he still relentlessly paces the stage. The secret to his excellent physical condition is three hours of daily ...