RABAT, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Since Morocco announced a national lockdown in late March over the concerns of the COVID-19 pandemic, performing live clown shows has become an essential daily routine for Salahddine Misbah, who has been in the Moroccan entertainment industry for two decades.
Every afternoon, Misbah, a professional clown whose stage name is "Jaki," carefully prepares for the live show, by painting a thick clown makeup on his face, putting on a huge prop costume, and practising his facial expressions and movements in front of a mirror.
Misbah's live broadcast usually starts at 6 p.m. local time (1700 GMT). In the opening remarks, he urged his children audience to stay at home.
"Don't forget we're staying home and Jacki is coming to you to have a nice party," he said.
In the 1.5-hour live broadcast, with the limited space in the apartment and the modest stage set, Misbah uses exaggerated body language to try to entertain the children audience.
Misbah admitted to having some difficulties in interacting with the audience compared with live performances.
"I cannot make sure if the children can follow me when I ask them to make a movement together," he explained.
In order to enhance the audience's sense of participation, Misbah tend to pause to read the messages left on the screen at regular intervals.
He tries to read out every message, sending birthday wishes or giving a specific performance as required.
As a professional clown who has made a name for himself in the capital Rabat, Misbah was often invited to perform at evening parties organized by schools and associations before the outbreak of COVID-19.
In order to curb the spread of the coronavirus, the Moroccan government announced the state of public health emergency starting March 20, restricting movements and suspending private and public means of transport between cities.
Morocco also closed all schools and educational institutions, which fuelled the boredom of the homebound children.
Therefore, some parents asks Misbah for live streaming his performance for their children.
This is exactly what "Jaki" has been trying to do as he enjoys the laughter of children after being with them for many years.
For the past two months of live streaming, he has gained 20,000 fans across Morocco, with the most successful show on his facebook account named "Golden Jaki" attracting nearly 20,000 viewers.
Many parents and children left messages on Misbah's Facebook account, expressing support and gratitude for his performance.
"Thank you Jaki. Our children are very happy."
"Uncle Jaki, we love you," they said. Enditem
