Draft:Rudi Llata
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The Rudi Llata (Joselito, Nolo, Pepi, and Leo) were Spanish clowns. This group, consisting of Joselito (José Llata Fernández, Santander, August 8, 1915 – 1994), Nolo (Manuel Ruiz Díaz, 1915–2002), Pepi (José Ruiz Díaz, 1917–1982), and the accordionist Leo (Leonardo Fernández), achieved great success both in Spain and internationally, especially in France.
Formation of the Group
[edit]The Rudi Llata enjoyed great success, particularly in Europe, for almost 40 years, between 1930 and 1970. They are considered some of the funniest clowns of their time and performed more outside of Spain than within. Their act, which combined humor and music without the need for spoken words, allowed them to connect with audiences across different cultures.
Pepi and Nolo were brothers and initially worked as acrobats and tightrope walkers alongside their sister María, forming the Trío Hermanos Díaz. Joselito began his career in the 1930s as a military musician and, while stationed with the Mahón Infantry Regiment, met the trio and joined them. He later married María. Their performances were interrupted by the Spanish Civil War, but they resumed in 1942. They were later joined by accordionist Leonardo Fernández and Spanish classical dancer Carmen Romero (“Harlema”), Nolo’s wife, forming “Los 6 Rudi-Llata.”
At one point, they became “Los 8 Rudi-Llata,” as their performances included a final pasodoble march with their wives. When Leo retired, he was replaced by Nolo and Carmen’s son. The controversial Catalan filmmaker and writer Salomón Shang was a grandson of the Rudi Llata and spent part of his childhood and youth in their traveling circus world.
Their final performance took place in 1971 at the XIV Gala de la Piste at the Cirque d’Hiver in Paris. They made their last official appearance on June 12, 1973, in a gala held at Montjuïc, Barcelona.
Performances
[edit]The Rudi Llata became famous for comedic acts such as “El boxeo” (Boxing), “El restaurante automático” (The Automatic Restaurant), and “El clarinete” (The Clarinet), which were inspired by Charlie Chaplin. Their performances blended clowning and music, featuring instruments like the clarinet, guitar, and accordion.
- Nolo played the whiteface clown, portraying an elegant and distinguished figure.
- Pepi and Joselito were auguste clowns, dressed and made up to look like twins.
- Leo performed without makeup, proving that humor didn’t require clown makeup.
They performed at Cirque d’Hiver in Paris, Cirque Pinder, Radio Circus, and the Cirque Medrano in Paris.
They also appeared in the 1954 film “Feuerwerk” (Circus Dreams) by Kurt Hoffmann, starring Romy Schneider and Lilli Palmer.
Awards and Recognition
[edit]The Rudi Llata received: The Grock Trophy in Milan (1969).The Oscar at the IV World Circus Festival in Madrid (1972), awarded by a jury of international circus directors and presented by Sara Montiel.