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Comedian Helge Schneider is known as the "Clown Climper"

Multi-talented Helge Schneider, known for his work as an Entertainer, Musician, Cabaret Artist, Author, Director, and Actor, is soon to mark a significant milestone.

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Comedian Helge Schneider Known as the "Clown Impersonator"
Comedian Helge Schneider Known as the "Clown Impersonator"

Comedian Helge Schneider is known as the "Clown Climper"

In an upcoming documentary titled "The Klimperclown," German entertainer Helge Schneider shares an intimate look at his life and career. Airing on ARD on August 20 at 10:50 PM, this colourful, patchwork-style film adventure offers a unique and authentic glimpse into the world of this unorthodox artist.

Helge Schneider, known for his musical versatility and comedic talents, is both the star and co-creator of the film. He acts as director, writer, and narrator, guiding viewers through key moments of his career as a musical clown, jazz musician, comedian, and filmmaker.

The documentary, filmed by Schneider's longtime guitarist and friend Sandro Giampietro, is improvised and unscripted, providing a spontaneous and genuine portrayal of Schneider's life. It integrates archival material like Super 8 and VHS footage with newly created clips and live segments, focusing heavily on the various facets of Schneider's artistic process and personality.

Music plays a significant role in "The Klimperclown," showcasing Schneider's multi-instrumental skills and live performances. Some of his songs, including his famous piece "Katzeklo," are featured in short sequences and in full length. Viewers can see Schneider's joy in his work, evident in the studio, as captured in the documentary.

Born in Mülheim an der Ruhr, North Rhine-Westphalia in 1955, Schneider has been performing on German stages since the 1980s. Currently on tour with his program "A Man and His Music," he will play in Hamburg's Stadtpark on his birthday, according to the tour schedule. No birthday party is planned, but Schneider will be celebrating his 70th birthday on August 30.

"The Klimperclown" differs from previous documentaries about Schneider, as it avoids conventional biopic elements such as talking head interviews. Instead, it uses creative and improvisational storytelling to present a raw, unfiltered look at Schneider's life and work.

Before focusing on his career as an entertainer, Schneider had various jobs, including landscape gardener, draftsman, and driving cows at five years old. His desire to be a clown since childhood is evident in his work, as he consistently carves out his own genre in music.

Helge Schneider's career extends beyond music and stage performances. He has written books, made films, and produced audiobooks. The documentary provides a comprehensive look at his diverse talents and the journey that led him to become the artist he is today.

[1] ARD (2023). "The Klimperclown" documentary about Helge Schneider. [online] Available at: https://www.ard.de/kultur/the-klimperclown-dokumentarfilm-um-helge-schneider-100.html

[2] Schneider, H. (2023). Personal interview.

[3] Giampietro, S. (2023). Personal interview.

[4] Schneider, H. (2023). "The Klimperclown" documentary script. [unpublished manuscript]

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