Shifting Sands Theatre
WORKSHOPS Our workshops release creative expression via play. Our objective is to enthuse and stimulate. The next step is to focus this playfulness for each other and the audience – and have fun! " Acting is nothing more or less than playing. The idea is to humanize life.” George Elliot/Mary Ann Evans
CLOWN - The Art of Play The Clown negotiates the world by playing with it. Playfulness becomes a guiding principle for the clown. The style of play adopted is varied. It can be funny, tragic or nasty. Above all else the play is extremely personal and optimistic, even in the direst circumstances. A performance that is based on play builds a direct relationship with the audience. When we play we are full of energy, alert and spontaneous. We look for playfulness in others and listen to creative impulses in ourselves. When playing we tend not to judge ourselves. We are fully involved and there is total belief and honesty. The clown has to be both spontaneous and full of stage presence – so full that the audience doesn’t even notice it. The study of clown is a marvellous tool for performers of all persuasions with its focus on simplicity, vulnerability and honesty. Why undertake such a rigorous challenge? Because the reward is great: the rich joy of laughter shared with those who were once strangers. The workshops include: PHYSICAL TRAINING Exercises which help to develop self awareness, co- ordination and fluidity of movement. IMPROVISATION The rules of play that underpin collaborative creation. EXERCISES IN RHYTHM These help to develop a sense of timing. GAMES Playing with each other. PRESENTATION Playing with the audience.
PLAYING WITH TRAGEDY Tragedy is an opportunity to play on a grand scale. When surrounded by huge emotions and overwhelming circumstances we will discover the playfulness and beauty of tragedy. Play is spontaneous, enjoyable and full of surprises. It leads to enjoyment and shared laughter. In this workshop we will look at how we can still play when the usual setbacks mount up to become truly tragic. By accepting the tragic, we can find truthful ways to play with great emotions but not to undermine them. The response can invoke laughter, sympathy, tears or wonder – or all four at the same time! Our themes will be : play, co-operation, status, simplicity, and vulnerability. We will apply these to a variety of situations that involve loss or rejection. Classic texts including Antigone and Oedipus by Sophocles will be explored.