#1314.................................................................................................................................. 9 Tales of Fool

Tales of Fool

Educational Theatre Théâtre de la Feuille

Theatre

Programme Video

Appreciation Guide Excelled in storytelling with bodily movements, Théâtre de la Feuille adapts two historical incidents from the Qin dynasty registered in the Records of the Grand Historian. Through simple theatrical settings and spectacular live background music, Tales of Fool incorporates elements of Cantonese operas – singing, acting, reciting and acrobatic fighting – and that of commedia dell'arte from the West. The performance highlights tremendous dramatic tension and demands actors’ dexterities.

In this piece of educational theatre, members of the troupe would undertake warm-up with students before leading them to enjoy this short, black comedy centring on a clownish character, who generally performs funny acts in theatre plays. As the plot unfolds, he managed to resolve conflicts and turn the table through sarcastic and humorous means. Would students change their views towards clownish characters afterwards?

Creative Concept

Incorporating elements of Cantonese opera – singing, acting, reciting and acrobatic fighting – and that of commedia dell'arte from the West. Tales of Fool re-constructs historical events complied in the Records of the Grand Historian, to inspire audience’s interest in traditional dramas from both the East and the West, as well as to broaden the imagination and reflection when adapting historical stories.

Key Learning Areas:

Subjects: Drama / Literature • Comparison between Italian commedia dell'arte with Cantonese opera • Exploring the use of bodily movements on stage in daily life • Exploring the effects created by various kinds of theatrical performances

Highlighted Sections

1. Characteristics of and comparison between Italian commedia dell'arte and Cantonese opera

P.7-9

2. Exercises on using the body • Reaction exercises • Stake standing 2:16 3:18

3. Stage effects achieved by educational theatre 7:16 P.11 • Small Theatre: What effects are achieved by impromptu setup? • Colombina Masks: How does each mask comply with the nature of every character? • Live Music: What kind of instruments are being employed? • Sound Effects: What kind of effects are produced by the sound during the fight scene? • Uses of Props: How are the action of fighting and bleeding portrayed with simple props?

Extended Discussions

1. Invite students to share their thoughts on the following lines from the appreciation guide ( P.10):

“ …despite their insignificance, minor characters should have their own stories as well…Villains have their background and good guys, their dark sides.”

2. During the early stage of the performance, the actor who played You Zhan demonstrated the action of “opening the door”. Invite students to perform the very same endeavour by referring to the exercise from the appreciation guide ( P.12).

3. Let students discuss in groups and attempt to perform the scene of fighting and injury by using existing resources available in the classroom.