QUICK TAKES - Feb. 28, 2009

Clowns from across the world met in Germany Friday to pitch laughter as a way to survive the economic crisis.

Organizers of the “Parliament of Clowns,” performing in a theater in Dresden, hope to prop up people’s spirits, saying the health benefits of laughter are proven.

“Fear can be laughed away, even in economically tough times,” said clown Antoschka, who spent two decades with the Moscow State Circus and launched the event under the slogan “Clowns of the world unite.”

One performer scheduled to join the red nose and face paint troupe is U.S. physician and professional clown Patch Adams, whose belief in the healing power of laughter reached a global audience when actor Robin Williams portrayed him in a movie.