The 16th
May was our first workshop learning Commedia Dell’arte techniques in
preparation for rehearsals. We started, as we do every rehearsal, with yoga and
though not particularly a group favourite at times, it helps to release all of
the tension in our bodies and enables us to completely relax before starting,
which is essential when exploring Commedia Dell’arte, especially as the
techniques are very physical.
After warming up,
we formed a circle with one person holding ‘the ball of emotion.’ The aim of
the exercise was to physicalise different emotions, by travelling across the
circle towards another person whilst holding the ball, using your whole body to
communicate that emotion. For example, if somebody chose to convey anger, their
body would shake and their movements across the circle would be heavy and
strong. This was really interesting, as it was amazing to see how many
different interpretations of one emotion could be produced and everybody was
learning from one another.
Later on, we were
told to walk around in the space, however, every time we wanted to change
direction, we had to clearly stop, sharply turn our head in that direction,
then quickly turn our body and start walking again. To build on this, we began
learning characteristics of different Commedia Dell’arte characters, by walking
around the space with a certain part of our bodies leading, for example, the
forehead, the nose, the chest, the knees or the stomach. This was hilarious and
rewarding for everyone, as even though at times we felt like complete fools, we
were so enthusiastic and committed to what we were doing.
Towards the end
of the session, we began working with the masks, developing an understanding of
the relationship between ourselves and the audience. We would build a character
in our mind and then enter the space with a certain emotion, notice and react
to the audience and then leave with a contrasting emotion caused by an
imaginary stimulus on the other side of the stage. This was so much fun, as
everybody immersed themselves into their characters completely, and the action
which took place was hilarious.
Overall the
session was extremely enjoyable, and as a fairly newcomer to the techniques of
Commedia Dell’arte, I surprised myself with how much fun I had, making our trip
to Poland seem even more exciting.
Esther Greene
No comments:
Post a Comment