NOT ANOTHER CLOWN WORKSHOP
Strange things happened during the lockdowns but one of the most joyful was our Zoom based Not Another Clown Workshop supported by Arts Council NI & the Lyric Theatre. This 6 week online course combined the playful curiosity of Clown, the rigour of the Bouffon and the creative expression and possibilities found in devised theatre to explore how to build our creative muscles and make work. Our 15 participants from all across the island of Ireland also had the benefit of hearing from our amazing roster of guest speakers, including Eric Davis (Red Bastard, Cirque du Soleil), Lucy Berry (The Jeremy Vine Show BBC Radio 2), Jessica Williams (Frantic Assembly, National Theatre) & Alan Richardson (SURGE).
This was a real haven for joy, creativity and learning during a rather dark time.
JOS HOUBEN
In conjunction with Lyric Theatre Belfast Creative Learning, Amadan hosted 'Principles of Physical Comedy' with Jos Houben. Jos is an internationally acclaimed performer and teacher at the Lecoq school in Paris, The workshop explored accidents, chases and fights and using all the tips, tricks and techniques Jos has devised for bringing some of the most iconic physical comedy set pieces to the stage. 20 artists and practitioners from across Europe attended this three day physical comedy masterclass to Belfast in June 2018.
PHILIPPE GAULIER
Philippe Gaulier is a master clown, pedagogue & professor of theatre & founder of Ecole Philippe Gaulier. A former teacher at L'Ecole Internationale du Theatre Jaques Lecoq, Gaulier has performed, directed & written for the stage & has published ‘Le Gegeneur’ (The Tormentor) which details his approach to actor training. Former students include Sacha Baron Cohen, Emma Thompson, Helena Bonham Carter & Simon McBurney.
Gaulier's bouffon workshop centers on finding the difficult balance between the grotesque & charm he is credited by some as the world’s leading authority on bouffon. Through games & exercises you learn about the style & create your own bouffon. In September 2016 Amadan hosted this workshop for a group of 35 international and local artists and practitioners.
MICK BARNFATHER
Mick Barnfather's Comedy and Clown workshop looks at what it is that makes us laugh and how we can be funny. It is not about big shoes, make up and squirty flower but rather concentrates on the clown and the pleasure to be ridiculous in the space. The clown moves from one flop to the next always happy and optimistic to be playing before an audience. In December 2015 Amadan hosted this workshop for a group of professional actors, circus performers and comedians as part of our commitment to offer wold class training opportunties to arts practitioners in Northern Ireland.