The Clown blows
his trumpet
Early
days
Merriweathers'
real
name is Mark Shelton. Mark has been a performing artist for most
of his life. He began performing at only nine years old ,when
together with his Mom, a singer and actress, he featured in a
Stage Musical "South Pacific".He kept up his interest
in theatre and performance appearing onstage whenever he found the
oppurtunity.
After school
Mark studied for a BA Soc Science at UCT., majoring in Philosophy
The
Long and winding road
Then the
travel bug hit and Mark spent four years travelling Europe and
the Middle east, visiting in all 23 countries, It was whilst watching
street performers in France that he first realised his passion
for clowning. He travelled Europe with a juggling act taking part
in four major European festivals: ;Avignon festival (France) ;Bilbao
festival (spain) ;San Sebastian (spain) ;Asti (Italy)
As
seen on TV
Marks juggling
skills have featured on the SABC sitcom "Fishy Feshuns"
Mark has also been interviewed live on the SABC magazine program
"Take Five". Watch out for Mark in the upcoming program
Corne' and Twakkies: "The Most Amazing Show", where
he appears as a guest artist (in full clown character)
Marks Clowning
skills have featured in two international television commercials
screened in Germany and Turkey..
Personal
records
Mark is the
SA balloon modelling recordholder. At Horwoods farm in Edenvale
JHB on the 30th July 2005, he inflated by mouth and twisted 257
balloons in one hour, The event was a fundraiser for Nkosi's Haven.
(the
balloon record is held by John Cassidy of the USA (529) in one
hour.)
Marks personal
record for the toss and catch with a diabolo is 37 metres, achieved
in Pisa, Italy. His attempt reached the top of seventh storey
of the leaning tower of Pisa, which stands at 55.86 metres or
185 feet.
By
the way
Mark performed
at Nelson Mandela's 80th Birthday celebration at the Kruger National
Park.
Mark has
been hired three times for Thabo Mbeki's Childrens day.
Mark has
had occasion to present his balloon Teddy Bears to such diverse
personalities as, David Kramer, Jennifer ferguson. Koos Kombuis,
Gordon Mulholland as well as hundreds of almost- famous folks
you probably haven't heard of.
Hobbies
Mark has
written volumes of serious, comic and kids poetry as well as a
number of songs which e performs on guitar. Some of Mungos other
favourite pastimes include, taking a long stroll in natural surroundings,
pottering around the garden, Reading, watching movies and playing
chess.
