For Mari DeOleo, Clowning Opens The Door To Possibility

Mari DeOleo is not your average clown. Through her craft, she aims to dismantle societal constructs, create connections and embrace the complexities of her heritage. Originally from the Dominican Republic, DeOleo made it to Chicago by way of rural Pennsylvania, and has honed in on her artistic calling over the last decade in the city. DeOleo also hopes to offer young people opportunities and respect to explore their own artistic identities through her work teaching at the Second City and operating two of the Lyric Opera’s youth programs. This is what her Chicago sounds like.