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Bouffon | Grotesque, fantastical, taboo…
Introductory Workshop
A little about the technique…
Bouffon is a specialized form of clowning, which draw’s upon elements of the grotesque, parody, fantasy and mystery. It originates from the 16th Century street theatre of Medieval Europe, where performers would imitate the locals’ movement, physicality and personality so far as mocking society. Performers would have big bums, gigantic bellies, they are dwarfs, hunchbacks, heretic priests and they have extraordinary personalities. They are outcasts who have been thrown out of society and band together for survival. They thrive on chaos and taboo subjects to stimulate their performances and they achieve an unconditional acceptance from audiences because of their Bouffonesque nature.
A brief explanation of the workshop content…
We take the students through a series of exercises to create and discover their own Bouffon character. We alter their physicality’s to the extent of stuffing their clothing to give them an alternative stance and posture. We then help them develop a voice, personality and to take on the key elements and traits of a Bouffon. They then have the opportunity to work in groups on a devised piece using their new Bouffons and a choice of taboo subjects or a given structure; depending on the age group. The students are equipped with takeaway skills and tools to make use of the technique in future devised work including exam pieces. The workshop broadens their use of their physicality’s and character creation ability.
How it can help your students…
The workshop will help your students develop their skills and reflect on their achievements against agreed objectives most important at GCSE’s/A-Level learning. It provides an opportunity to use alternative devising techniques creating new & sophisticated work to achieve higher grades in their practical examinations.
All students will have the opportunity to challenge boundaries as performers and young practitioners. This type of performance/workshop, allows experimentation, imagination and an opportunity to take risks in a safe environment, whilst exploring important and contemporary issues.
Through the Bouffon technique, actors can produce a variety of whimsical characters. Bouffons have highly unpredictable personalities and are completely unique individuals yet live within a strong community. They thrive on excitement and chaos; a violent scene is a playground, a sad moment is forgotten in seconds and an absurd scenario is reality. They can deform any situation, twist it and play it out in an unusual way; this is the true essence of Bouffon.
Click here to read about the Development Workshop
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Main focuses of the workshop:
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Improvisation -
Character Devising -
Creativity -
Voice -
Physicality -
Over exaggeration -
Taboo subjects -
Performance creation
By the end of the workshop participants
will have:
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Gained new skills and tools for improvising and devising
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Increased character creation ability
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Increased physicalisation ability
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Expanded knowledge of physical theatre
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Learnt how to construct a Bouffon
The workshop may include some or all of
the following elements:
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Improvisation techniques and devising techniques
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Character development through voice and physicality
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Pastiche - creating a character through observation of others, re-creating walk, re-creating vocal sounds, stature, mannerism etc, leading into caricature and eventually Bouffon
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Group bonding exercises to create a sense of being a Bouffon community and develop the notions of citizenship
Home | Bouffon | Commedia | Mask | Bespoke | Conflict Resolution | Theatre Overseas | Training for Actors | Contact Us | Book Now | About Us