3-Day BOUFFON Masterclass
Friday/Saturday/Sunday
MAY 17 | 10 - 4
MAY 18 | 3 - 8
MAY 19 | 3 – 7
*The workshop location will jump between Sweet Action Theatre (Studio 106) AND Intergalactic Arts Collective (Studio 103). Both locations are located in the Artscape Youngplace building, down the hall from each other.
$300
Max 15 students
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INTRODUCTION TO BOUFFON
1) Presentation of the training:
The objective of this Bouffon, (also the jester) training is above all an introduction to the Bouffon, which is little known to the public these days. It is important to develop and understand the Bouffon “spirit” which is different from the clown. The Bouffon, this deformed being, who distorts reality/current events, who holds up a distorting mirror to the public through his parody, is a circus character very little known, recognized and taught.
2) Learning objective:
It is important to point out that the content and approach of the training may vary depending on the experiences and understanding of each person. Hence the importance of being in a group, even if small, will fuel each individual’s own approach and the sharing of different visions/opinions. The art of the Bouffon is to learn to laugh at oneself and others using parody and not malice. The Bouffon has a way of transforming imperfections into funny ugliness.
3) Expected results
• History of the Bouffon
• Develop and understand the “jester” spirit
• The difference between the clown and the Bouffon
• Learn to work in a group, leave leadership aside
• Learn to laugh at yourself
• Parody and not malice
• Transform imperfections into funny ugliness
• Find your Bouffon/vocabulary
• Love yourself as you are
Bring clothes that allow you to move (tights, loose clothing)
Bring clothes that tear and cushions to make bumps
Bio:
For 44 years, legendary Quebecer Dolorèze Léonard has shared her Artistic Talent all over the world. She is a founding member of Cirque du Soleil and was part of their first American tour. She still works there, entertaining and organizing employee events for the past 16 years in the always delightful role of Madame Zazou. In Vermont, Dolorèze collaborates with Bread and Puppet Theater. In Europe, she lived in a caravan and performed in the dinner show “Pomp Duck and Circumstance” as Mistress of Ceremony for 6 years. In Canada, she performs in the Just For Laughs Cabaret as Madama Zazou, a show of her own creation. For the past 12 years she has collaborated with the Teatro Zinzanni (USA) in “Love Dinner Chaos” as a director and performer. In Hawaii, Dolorèze directed the HICCUP Circus at S.P.A.C.E. (Seaview Performing Arts Center for Education), worked as a volunteer there with the local community and co-created all of the extremely popular “Le Chic” Shows. A world traveler, Dolorèze Leonard has taught the rich human and creative experience of Bouffon throughout her voyages.
