Philippe Gaulier
1943 - 2026

Philippe Gaulier.

The master. The tormentor. The teacher.

Philippe had a profound effect on Amadan. We would not be what we are without him.

When Jude trained with him in Paris all those years ago, it was as if a light had been switched on. It was from Philippe that the Clown & the Bouffon came to life for Jude, and when he fully discovered his true place as a performer. Philippe kindly agreed to let me sit in and watch his lessons, and wow! What a world opened up.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

 

It was exciting, dangerous, full of life, full of questions, so very human, and all carried on waves of laughter. We had loads of ideas. The first seeds of what would become Amadan, not only in our practice but in the teaching.

Philippe was a magnificent teacher. Yes, he tortured us, but he could see us in all our glory and misery. He was the sharpest observer. He got straight to the bone. And he cared deeply about his students. He was the great curmudgeon, and he was the sweetest, kindest man.

We are so deeply grateful for his teaching, for knowing him, for his inspiration. We are so thankful we were able to bring him back to Belfast in 2016. He drove us mad, and he was brilliant.

Sending all our love to Michiko, the family & the school.

Cat Barter - Bouffon Masterclass, Belfast 2016.