Camille Boitel photo: Chambrial
LONDON INTERNATIONAL MIME FESTIVAL
15 - 3 0 J A N U A R Y 2005
mimefest. co.uk
CIRCUS SPACE CABARET
Welcome to the 27th London International Mime Festival (LIMF), Europe’s longest-established annual focus on contemporary visual theatre. CONTENTS 16 Akhe 26-27 Booking Information 17 Camille Boitel 11 Company F.Z 12 Familie Floez 28 Festival Diary 20 Gecko 4-5 Jean-Baptiste André 13 Individuals 18 Kitt Johnson 13 Les Bubb 23 Les Enfants du Paradis 7 Les Witloof 14-15 Mathurin Bolze 21 Momentum 6 Nola Rae 19 Raimund Hoghe 21 Sleeping Dogs 10 Stephen Mottram 22 The Circus Space Cabaret 23 Théâtre du Mouvement 25 Total Theatre Lecture (David Gothard) 8-9 Tricicle 24-25 Workshops
Three very different shows from Jean-Baptiste André, Camille Boitel and Mathurin Bolze illustrate the originality and vision of French ‘new circus’ artists, whilst from Germany we welcome the return of unique performance artist Raimund Hoghe and the London debut of mask-theatre virtuosi Familie Floez. There are artists from Russia and Denmark, a beerthemed show from Belgium, and Spain's physical comedy ‘galacticos’, Tricicle, make a first visit to London in more than a decade with an uproarious new production direct from a three month run in Paris. All this plus a wide range of workshops, talks, post-performance discussions, cabaret at The Circus Space and a rare opportunity to see one of the greatest movies ever made, Les Enfants du Paradis. We could not have assembled this programme, drawn from right across the spectrum of live art and visual theatre, without the help of the Festival’s artists, funders, supporters and friends. We are grateful to them all. Joseph Seelig and Helen Lannaghan, Directors
The 2005 London International Mime Festival gratefully acknowledges co-operation and financial support from: Arts Council England; Association Française d'Action Artistique/Ministere des Affaires Étrangères; Institut français du Royaume Uni; Goethe-Institut; Royal Danish Embassy; SBC (registered charity). With special thanks to the Citadines Hotel group.
STEPHEN MOTTRAM’S ANIMATA
SHOWS FOR FAMILIES Familie Floez, Les Bubb, Les Witloof, The Individuals, Tricicle. SHOWS INVOLVING CIRCUS SKILLS Camille Boitel, Circus Space Cabaret, Company F.Z, Jean-Baptiste André, Les Witloof, Mathurin Bolze.
MATHURIN BOLZE
SHOWS WITH PUPPETRY/ANIMATION Akhe, Familie Floez, Nola Rae, Stephen Mottram, Sleeping Dogs. SHOWS SUITABLE FOR PEOPLE WITH HEARING IMPAIRMENT Akhe, Camille Boitel, Circus Space Cabaret (BSL interpreted performance on Sun 30 Jan), Familie Floez, Jean-Baptiste André, Les Witloof, Momentum, Nola Rae, Kitt Johnson, Mathurin Bolze, Stephen Mottram, Tricicle.
FOR DETAILS OF DISABLED ACCESS PLEASE CONTACT THE VENUES
SHOWS FOR AGES 15+ Akhe, Circus Space Cabaret, Kitt Johnson, Raimund Hoghe, Stephen Mottram.
SEE PAGES 26 + 27
WORKSHOPS AND TALKS See pages 24-25
A LARGE TEXT VERSION OF THIS BROCHURE IS AVAILABLE AT
MEET THE ARTISTS AFTER THE SHOW Sun 16 Jan: Jean-Baptiste André Mon 17 Jan: Akhe Tue 18 Jan: Nola Rae Tue 25 Jan: Mathurin Bolze Wed 26 Jan: Kitt Johnson Sat 29 Jan: Familie Floez Sun 30 Jan: Raimund Hoghe
MIMEFEST.CO.UK OR BY RINGING 020 7637 5661
page 4
FRANCE The first in a trio of Festival solo shows by brilliant young French circus-inspired artists features 24 year old acrobat and handbalancing virtuoso, Jean-Baptiste André. Set sometime in the dead of night, Intérieur Nuit brings together video, circus skills and a gripping electronic sound-score to create a ‘horiz-vertical’ universe, an unexpected landscape full of surprises and original vision. Trained at the École Nationale des Arts de Cirque in Chalons, Jean-Baptiste is also a member of Philippe Decouflé's internationally acclaimed dance company. This debut show has toured extensively in Europe and the Middle East, and goes to America later in 2005.
PURCELL ROOM
SAT 15 > MON 17 JAN
Sat + Mon 8pm, Sun 6pm
RUNS APPROX 60 MINS WITHOUT INTERVAL AFTER SHOW DISCUSSION SUN 16 JAN
TICKETS 08703 800 400
£13 (£9.50 CONCS)
Presented in association with SBC
page 5
FRANCE
'A beautiful work which creates a landscape lush with possibilities for metamorphosis. He makes us question the relationship of space and time, interior and exterior, real and imagined'. LA VOIX DU NORD
‘They laughed. They cried. In the end, the audience left simply astonished.’
Co-production: Association W / CNAC Châlons en Champagne
Supported by Institut français du Royaume-Uni and Association Française d’Action Artistique/ Ministère des Affaires Étrangères.
THE YEMEN OBSERVER
photo:Blaz Horvat
page 6
UK
Inspired in part by Charlie Chaplin's The Great
‘This piece is
Dictator, Nola Rae's latest wordless comic drama
endlessly inventive.
deals with dangerous charisma and how to get it!
High speed humour
Exit Napoleon sees the clown follow a well-worn
and marvellous
trail towards absolute power and absolute
characterisation’.
disaster.
OXFORD TIMES
Born in Sydney, Nola came to London to study at
‘Strong, moving,
the Royal Ballet School, and later with Marcel
universal,
Marceau in Paris. In a thirty year career her
unforgettable, a
successful blend of comic physical theatre, dance,
subtle mix of comedy
puppetry and witty observation has delighted
and gravity...’
audiences in more than sixty countries. She
L'EST REPUBLICAIN
premiered her first solo show at the Festival du Monde in Nancy, France, in 1975, and was recently inducted into America's International Clown Hall of Fame. She has also been honoured with a Total Theatre Lifetime
PURCELL ROOM
TUE 18 > WED 19 JAN
RUNS APPROX 75 MINS WITHOUT INTERVAL
TICKETS 08703 800 400
Also at 8PM
AFTER SHOW DISCUSSION TUE 18 JAN
£13 (£9.50 CONCS)
Croydon Clocktower Sat 15 Jan 7.45pm
Presented in association with SBC
www.nolarae.btinternet.co.uk
020 8253 1030
photo: Matthew Ridout
Achievement Award.
page 7
BELGIUM
Les Witloof are Thierry Craeye and Daniel Van Hassel, a classic clown duo, natural stage partners and foils for each other’s impressive physical skills. Contemporaries at the École du Cirque in Brussels, they first came to prominence as award winners at the prestigious Festival Mondial du Cirque de Demain in Paris. Appropriately from a country famed for its many different beers, the quest for a perfect pint is an important feature of their show. Cool, refreshing and with just the right amount of froth, Sous Pression is seventy five minutes of impeccable theatre clowning, and what they can do with rope, swords and giant playing cards - not to mention mouth-watering Belgian beer -
'Delightful, magical, assured
will amaze you!
performers and a show to be savoured without moderation!' LE SOIR
photos: Guy Thérache
Suitable for 8 years + Also at Corn Exchange Newbury Wed 19 Jan 7.45pm 01635 522 733
PURCELL ROOM
THUR 20 > SUN 23 JAN
THUR - FRI 8PM, SAT 6PM, SUN 4PM
TICKETS 08703 800 400
RUNS APPROX 75 MINS WITHOUT INTERVAL
£13 (£9.50 CONCS)
Presented in association with SBC Co-production: Roultabi Productions / Theatre de la Balsamine, Brussels www.walrus-productions.com
page 8
SPAIN
TRICIC
Celebrated Catalan company Tricicle brings its hilarious new production to London direct from a three month season in Paris. Sit tells the story of the humble chair and its incalculable impact on human life through the centuries. From Stone Age to Space Age it has played its part, as witness to peace treaties and passionate love affairs, great feasts and sporting contests, long waits, tough trials and visits to the dentist. Since first appearing in the Mime Festival with its Barcelona Olympic Games spoof, Slastic, Tricicle has become one of Europe’s most successful physical comedy ensembles, starring in its own long-running TV series as well as undertaking numerous international tours. Tricicle are Joan Gracia, Paco Mir and Carles Sans.
Suitable for 8 years + Special ticket deal for under 16’s on Sun 23 Jan: £10 / £8
QUEEN ELIZABETH HALL
FRI 21 > SUN 23 JAN
FRI + SAT 7.45PM, SUN 6PM RUNS APPROX 2 HRS INCLUDING INTERVAL
TICKETS 08703 800 400
£10 / £12 / £15 / £18
Presented in association with SBC www.tricicle.com
SPAIN
CLE Sit
page 9
'I laughed till it hurt... the only thing they don't sit on are their laurels... it's a pure marvel and absolutely not to be missed.' PARISCOPE
'So inventive and original... it's great art, hilarious and irresistible... Tricicle are a revelation.’ LE POINT
'Like The Marx Brothers, Woody Allen or Jacques Tati they make the whole world laugh. Some of these parodies are simply the stuff of legend!' LE FIGARO
photos: Carratal
page 10
UK
STEPHEN MOTTRAM’S
ANIMATA A race of human-like creatures learn to adapt their outward appearance in a violent, dangerous world. Absurd, complex and beautiful disguises help them to avoid being 'collected' for the valuable seeds they carry within. Artist, craftsman and puppeteer Stephen Mottram has developed a unique theatre language which exploits the relationship between electro-acoustic music and the movement-image. In a style reflecting influences as diverse as the paintings of Hieronymous Bosch and the films of The Brothers Quay and incorporating more than forty animated figures, automatons and sculptural machines with an original score by Glyn Perrin - an acoustic picture in its own right - this parable of a frightening social order has become a classic work of animation theatre, winning many international awards during tours to some twenty countries. The Seed Carriers returns to the Festival for ONE performance only. Unsuitable for children. ‘Brilliant... not to be missed.’ THE GUARDIAN
‘His artistry is formidable, like his imagination. I have never before seen the eeriness of marionettes combined so insistently with dread.’
PURCELL ROOM
MON 24 JAN 8PM
RUNS APPROX 55 MINS WITHOUT INTERVAL
TICKETS 08703 800 400
AFTER SHOW DISCUSSION MON 24 JAN
£13 (£9.50 CONCS)
Presented in association with SBC Presented in association with SBC
photos: Simon Annand
THE TIMES
page 11
UK
From the team that created the award winning Throat (Total Theatre Award 2002, World's Fair Award for Contemporary Circus 2004). Loser is the story of three people and the journey of grief when one of them is lost. Surrounded by memories, spiralling on a staircase, falling on ice, Loser builds a strong audience relationship with minimal text, surprising imagery, dynamic physicality and songs to laugh and cry with. Internationally acclaimed Company F.Z delivers a performance of tragic comedy using its accomplished and intelligent reinterpretations of acrobatic/circus skills. Off-the-wall and with a divertingly skewed view of the world, Loser is a synthesis of thrilling energy and magical visual effects. Directed by John Paul Zaccarini and John Nicholson (Peepolykus). 'Think Truly, Madly, Deeply re-imagined for the theatre... the show has a physical eloquence that makes grief and memory seem like something you can reach out and touch. It will seduce you with its melting beauty.’
COMPANY F.Z Loser
photo: Robert Day
THE GUARDIAN
Artistic Directors Flick Ferdinando and John Paul Zaccarini
PURCELL ROOM TUE 25 > THUR 27 JAN
8PM
RUNS APPROX 75 MINS WITHOUT INTERVAL
TICKETS 08703 800 400
£13 (£9.50 CONCS)
Presented in association with SBC
Commissioned by The Drill Hall,
www.companyfz.com
London in association with The Corn Exchange, Newbury.
page 12
GERMANY
FAMILIE FLOEZ First London appearance by Germany's mask-theatre experts, Familie Floez, with
Teatro Teatro Delusio Delusio
their 2004 Edinburgh Fringe sell-out hit, Teatro Delusio. On-stage at a great opera house the action throbs with grand passion, intrigue and derring-do. But in this delightful comedy the spotlight is firmly backstage, where, separated from the famous stars by nothing more than a scenery backdrop three tireless technicians live out their own theatrical dreams and dramas. With stunning masks, elaborate costumes and amazing quick-change artistry, three actors play twenty nine different characters and bring an entire theatre to life. Action-packed, magical and extremely entertaining. Suitable for 8 years + ‘Some of the scenes, particularly a memorable ballet spoof, are so sparkling that the entire theatre shakes with laughter. The relationships between the stars of the stage and the team of technicians are perfectly observed...an imaginative, almost relentless merry-goround of absolute escapism.’ THE INDEPENDENT
‘Charming, wistful and performed with flair and energy right down to the final curtain call.’ THE GUARDIAN
PURCELL ROOM
FRI 28 > SUN 30 JAN
RUNS APPROX 70 MINS WITHOUT INTERVAL
TICKETS 08703 800 400
FRI + SAT 8PM, SUN 4PM
AFTER SHOW DISCUSSION SAT 29 JAN
£13 (£9.50 CONCS)
Presented in association with SBC www.floez.net
photos: E Jonalik
page 13
UK/HOLLAND
THE INDIVIDUALS
Juggling, with a touch of Tango
Ex-Flying Dutchmen, Michiel Hesseling, joins forces with Maike Aerden, Goddess of the Diabolo, in a dazzling display of juggling, Dutch tango and unexpected humour as a tall man and a tall woman explore the limits of their creativity using 7 balls, 3 diabolos and 8 clubs.
PLUS
LES BUBB 'Dynamic and explosively funny' (Time Out), brilliant visual comedian Les Bubb has appeared in cabaret at The Crazy Horse in Paris, in Werner Herzog's Variété, and in movies including Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. He's a showman, mime, clown and high-spirited entertainer whose routines will leave you breathless.
QUEEN ELIZABETH HALL FOYER SAT 22 > SUN 23 JAN 12.30PM RUNS APPROX 60 MINS
FREE Presented in association with SBC www.lesbubb.com
photo: Nic Barlow
FREE
page 14
FRANCE Inside trampolinist Mathurin Bolze's intimate living space, walls become floors and aerial passageways link each location. Inspired by Italo Calvino's story, The Baron in the Trees, a fantasy about a young nobleman who rebels against parental authority by climbing into the trees and remaining there for the rest of his life, Mathurin Bolze also breaks free of convention, living his life in three dimensions. Seeking ways to create this gravity-defying dreamworld of lightness and freedom he researched movement under weightless conditions both with NASA experts and at Star City in Moscow. A graduate of the French National Circus School, Mathurin has toured with radical circus troupe Archaos, and for three years with the acclaimed Josef Nadj production, Cri du Caméléon.
LIMF is delighted to collaborate for the first time with Laban, in its awe-inspiring, landmark building at the heart of southeast London’s thriving arts community. Opened in February 2003, it was awarded the RIBA Stirling Prize for Architecture and coveted Building of the Year 2003 title.
LABAN
MON 24 > WED 26 JAN
RUNS APPROX 55 MINS WITHOUT INTERVAL
TICKETS 020 7637 5661
7.30PM AFTER SHOW DISCUSSION TUE 25 JAN
VENUE INFO 020 8691 8600 £12.50 (£9 CONCS)
Supported by Institut français du Royaume-Uni and Association Française d’Action Artistique/Ministère des Affaires Etrangères. Presented in association with Laban. www.laban.org
photo: Christophe Reynaud De Lage
Co-production: Centre des Arts du Cirque de Basse-Normandie / Établissement Public du Parc de la Grande Halle de la Villette, Paris / CCDSScène Nationale de Senart / FURIES - Festival de Cirque et de Théâtre de la Rue de Châlons en Champagne / Hangar de Mines - Pôle Cirque, Cévennes / Ministère de la Culture et de la Communication-DMDTS-DRAC Rhône Alpes.
page 15
FRANCE
“He makes time stand still and operates his own law of gravity. Breathtaking and beautiful.” TELERAMA
page 16
RUSSIA The distinctive artistic chaos of St. Petersburg’s cult absurdist theatre group, Akhe, makes it unique in the world of visual theatre. Sometimes quite literally exploding on stage, its shows are in a constant state of flux. Akhe works with text as an object, creating performances that are true ritual and often bewilderingly funny, as well as profound and moving. Following its success with White Cabin at LIMF 2004, Akhe returns with more bizarre props and hand-made scenography, and another kaleidoscope of curious happenings and fantastic images, this time inspired by Prosper Merimee’s Carmen, with its themes of love and jealousy.
‘They owe as much to the visual arts and cinema as to any kind of theatre. Dizzying, dense and immensely satisfying, it is worth wrestling with.’ THE GUARDIAN (White Cabin)
Winner of the Critics’ Prize at the 2004 Mimos Festival in Perigueux, France. www.akhe.ru
ICA
SUN 16 > WED 19 JAN 8pm
RUNS APPROX 60 MINS WITHOUT INTERVAL AFTER SHOW DISCUSSION MON 17 JAN
TICKETS 020 7930 3647
£12.50 (£9 CONCS)
page 17
‘The artistry is staggering ...laughter came in huge waves.’
photo: Boitel/Bessac/Couturier
LA CROIX
FRANCE
Object manipulator, acrobat, musician and dancer, Camille Boitel studied at Annie Fratellini’s circus school in Paris. He spent four years touring with James Thierrée’s Compagnie du Hanneton, including visits to London with its hugely successful Junebug Symphony and co-created the visual sequences for a production of Carnival of the Animals with movie star Gérard Dépardieu, and pianists, the Labecque Sisters. L’Homme d’Hus is an unpredictable adventure, as much for the audience as for the performer who battles onstage with unlikely objects and machines. Inspired by the story of Job, the man from the land of Hus and one of the Bible’s most sympathetic figures whose faith in God was tested to the utmost, Boitel’s show contains echoes of Chaplin, Keaton, Jérome Deschamps and Jacques Tati in its portrait of a man beset with impossible tasks, seeking answers, ambushed by life. Co-production : Théâtre de la Cité Internationale, L’entre-sort de Furies - salle Rive Gauche, Espace Périphérique résidences de création de la Ville de Paris et du Parc de la Villette. Supported by Institut français du Royaume-Uni and Association Française d’Action Artistique/Ministère des Affaires Étrangères.
ICA
FRI 21 > SUN 23 JAN 8pm
RUNS APPROX 60 MINS WITHOUT INTERVAL
TICKETS 020 7930 3647
£12.50 (£9 CONCS)
photo: Chambrial
page 18
DENMARK Danish choreographer / performer Kitt Johnson explores deep into the mysterious realms of human nature with this unsettling performance about the ways in which we see our own being. Alone with one’s self image, we risk becoming lost in a self-created hall of mirrors...
‘Darkly poetic images of physical and emotional states, rich in surprises...she is a choreographer who can say a great deal with very little.’ NEW YORK TIMES
ICA
TUE 25 > THU 28 JAN
RUNS 55 MINS WITHOUT INTERVAL
TICKETS 020 7930 3647
8PM AFTER SHOW DISCUSSION WED 26 JAN
£12.50 (£9 CONCS)
www.kittjohnson.dk Supported by the Royal Danish Embassy
‘She ascends to higher forms of existence in front of our eyes. When she disappears it’s like waking from a dream you dearly wished would never end.’ BALLETTANZ
‘Kitt Johnson is a loner, a black hole of concentration absorbing our attention.’ POLITIKEN
photo: Per Morten Abrahamsen
Kitt Johnson is a pioneering artist, inspired by Butoh and German expressionism, performing at the crossroads of dance and movement theatre. In previous projects she has collaborated with leading European dance figures such as Sasha Waltz and Mark Tompkins. Created in 2002 and with a specially commissioned soundscape by Swedish composer, Sture Ericson, The Mirror has been seen at festivals across Europe, and in New York. These performances at the ICA mark her UK debut.
page 19
Another Dream
GERMANY
RAIMUND HOGHE ‘Pier Paolo Pasolini wrote of throwing one’s body into battle. These words inspired me to go on stage. I simply do what I have to do’. RAIMUND HOGHE
With the final part of his trilogy of choreographed personal reflections on some 20th century events which started with Meinwarts (LIMF 1996), one of Europe’s most remarkable performance artists returns to the Festival. Raimund Hoghe is a dancer, choreographer, film-maker and writer, and for ten years was dramaturg for Pina Bausch’s Tanztheater Wuppertal. Working with intimate material that draws on historical events, his own life and the unique characteristics of his body, Hoghe explores themes of love, loneliness, xenophobia and racism. Meticulously crafted, using ritualistic, minimal movement with almost ceremonial rigour, its force and emotion flow through unforgettable music that defined a decade for people across the world, opening a rich archive of collective memories.
‘His work is a reminder of the cult function of theatre. Like a priest he creates a community in collective and subjective memories.’
Text (in English) by Raimund Hoghe. Music by Mahalia Jackson, Ella Fitzgerald, Cilla Black, Petula Clark, Dalida, Peggy Lee, Gigliola Cinquetti, Cass Elliot, Judy Garland, Barbra Streisand, Bobby Darin, Dusty Springfield, Joan Baez, Igor Stravinsky, Gustav Mahler, Leonard Bernstein and others
FRANKFURTER ALLGEMEINE ZEITUNG
‘There is beauty, gravity and wonder to be found in Hoghe’s work’.
photo: Luca Giacomono Schulte
THE TIMES
ICA
SAT 29 > SUN 30 JAN
RUNS 2 HOURS WITHOUT INTERVAL
TICKETS 020 7930 3647
SAT 8PM, SUN 6PM AFTER SHOW DISCUSSION SUN 30 JAN
£12.50 (£9 CONCS)
Presented in co-operation with the Goethe Institut, London www.raimundhoghe.com
page 20
UK Created by Gecko Directed by Al Nedjari and Amit Lahav At the moment of birth his eyes open and he sees everything. He is numb in an abstract world and everyone’s losing their ability to communicate. Surfing from image to image on a swell of physical energy and visual explosiveness, Gecko will take you on a ride. Tumbling from scene to scene, The Race follows the journey of a man trying to reconnect his feelings and truly live. Gecko is building a reputation as one of the most exciting new theatre companies in the UK. Their first show Taylor’s Dummies was an extraordinary piece of physical daring that has wowed audiences around the world. Devised and performed by Al Nedjari, Amit Lahav, James Flynn, Sachi Kimura and Elisa Laghi. 'Fantastically enjoyable and gloriously inventive'. 'Theatre with a panache and dark wit that never stales in this imaginative, tickling production'. EVENING STANDARD (Taylor’s Dummies)
BAC
TUE 25 JAN > SUN 13 FEB
TUE > SAT 8PM , SUN 6PM
TICKETS 020 7223 2223
(NOT MONS)
RUNS APPROX 75 MINS WITHOUT INTERVAL £14.75 (£6.50 CONCS) PAY WHAT YOU CAN on Tuesdays
Produced by Fuel Co-commissioned by: BAC, Warwick Arts Centre, and South Hill Park, Bracknell. Supported by Komedia, Brighton and the London International Mime Festival. Developed at the National Theatre Studio.
photo: Doug Bonallack and David Hardcastle
THE GUARDIAN (Taylor’s Dummies)
page 21
UK / KOREA
Momentum
Sleeping Dogs
BAC Studio 2 Tue 25 > Thur 27 Jan 8.30pm 020 7223 2223 £10.75 (£5.50 concs)
BAC Studio 2 Fri 28 > Sun 30 Jan Fri > Sat 8.30pm, Sun 6.30pm 020 7223 2223 £10.75 (£5.50 concs)
(UK) Tmesis
Striking visuals, acrobatics, movement and music combine in this beautiful ancient Greek story, based on Aristophanes' speech from Plato's Symposium, about the origin of love and the reason why we search for our other half. Tmesis takes us back to a time when there were three sexes; male, female, and hermaphrodite two headed, eight limbed creatures whose strength dared them to challenge the Gods, creating disruption in a previously harmonious world... One of Britain's most promising, young, physical theatre companies, Liverpoolbased Momentum makes a rare London appearance with these performances at BAC. Winner of Best New Show in the 2003 Liverpool Daily Post 'Key Awards', Tmesis has toured nationally and abroad. The director is Complicité artist, Linda Kerr Scott. 'Momentum's sensual, slow-motion movement explores this super close love affair with charm and wit.’ TIME OUT
(Korea/UK) Migrant Overtures
In 1653, a Dutch East India Company ship was wrecked off the coast of Korea. Hendrik Hamel, one of the survivors, stayed for fourteen years in what was then a closed society, before finally escaping and returning ‘home’ to Holland. His report of this period became the first documentation of Korea in the West. Today the idea of home is no longer fixed, but despite mass travel, immigration and cross-cultural exchange, governments still try to expand their empires into other cultures, and people still look for somewhere to belong, searching for our home and self. Taking Hamel's fascinating story as a starting point, London-based visual theatre company Sleeping Dogs uses techniques of animation and object theatre to explore the idea and identity of home in the 21st century. The founder/director of Sleeping Dogs is Seong Kyun Yoo. ‘Slow-motion magic...’ TIME OUT (All Fall Away)
'A tale of universal significance.' THE STAGE
Runs approx 60 mins without interval
Runs approx 60 mins without interval
Sleeping Dogs acknowledges assistance from The Korean Culture and Arts Foundation
www.momentumtheatre.com
www.objecttheatre.com
page 22
FRANCE
Théâtre du Mouvement / Ivan Bacciocchi Faut-il croire les mimes sur parole
A fascinating lecture-demonstration tracing the history of mime from antiquity to the present day. Ivan Bacciocchi’s engaging performance explores twenty-five centuries of theatre, from Greece and Rome to Italian commedia dell’arte, from Debureau, Copeau, Decroux, Barrault and other great names of the 19th and early 20th century European theatre to the heyday of silent movies and the visual theatre innovators of our own times. Filled with humour and entertaining insights, the performance takes place in the intimate and atmospheric setting of the Institut français library. Written and directed by Théâtre du Mouvement founder/directors, Claire Heggen and Yves Marc, the performance will be IN FRENCH. Very limited seating so early booking strongly recommended. Performed in French Runs approx 60 mins Free. Reservation obligatory 020 7073 1350 Co-production: Théâtre du Rungis, Centre Culturel Boris Vian des Ulis and Théâtre du Mouvement.
Les Enfants du Paradis (1943-45) (188 mins) Director: Marcel Carné Screenplay: Jacques Prévert (inc. interval, ends approx 5.30pm)
In French with English subtitles INSTITUT FRANÇAIS SUN 16 JAN FREE LECTURE/DEMONSTRATIONS: 12 NOON + 6PM
TICKETS 020 7073 1350
FILM SCREENING: 2PM
£5 (£4 CONCS) FOR FILM ONLY - LECTURE/DEM IS FREE
Lecture/demonstration supported by Institut français du Royaume-Uni and Association Française d’Action Artistique/ Ministère des Affaires Étrangères.
www.theatredumouvement.com
photo: Alain Bouchoux
Mime theatre and cinema come together in what is one of almost every film fan’s favourite movies. Often rated as one of the greatest films ever made, Carné and Prevert’s romantic epic is set in the Parisian theatre world of the 1840’s. But filmed during the German occupation of Paris a century later, the doubts and menacing atmosphere of the time seem to colour the swirling passions and fleeting moments of happiness that enfold its unforgettable gallery of characters. A timeless classic you will want to see again and again. With Arletty, Jean-Louis Barrault, Pierre Brasseur and Etienne Decroux.
page 23
INTERNATIONAL
THE THE CIRCUS CIRCUS SPACE SPACE CABARET CABARET Every year the most prestigious new circus act competition takes place in Paris - The Cirque de Demain. It’s shown on TV around Europe, except in the UK. The Circus Space Cabaret in association with the 2005 London International Mime Festival welcome three prize-winners from recent competitions: - From Vietnam, bronze medal winning acrobats Duo Dinh Anh, graduates of France's Centre National des Arts du Cirque. - From America, silver medal winning wire dancer Molly Saudek, a graduate of Montreal’s École Nationale de Cirque. - From England and Germany, winners of the Moulin Rouge prize – elegant club jugglers lukaluka, graduates of The Circus Space.
Damien Gaumet photo: Olivier Rijckaert
Also featured in this dazzling evening, Damien Gaumet and Mathilde Sebald from the École Supérieure des Arts du Cirque de Bruxelles (not Sun), who will be competing in this year’s Cirque de Demain; Merlin Borg, recent graduate of The Circus Space, mixing puppetry with circus; an illuminated promenade from The Wrong Size; and, from Scotland and New Zealand the jaw-dropping cradle act of Duo Vertigo. Charismatic trickster Tim Bat will host each evening.
Bar opens at 7pm.
lukaluka
CIRCUS SPACE
photo: Eric Richmond
The atmosphere is relaxed and the setting unique - an old power station in the heart of Hoxton that has become Britain's top circus centre. Sit back with drinks from the Trapeze Bar and enjoy some of the best variety and speciality acts in London. Duo Dinh Anh
THUR 27 > SUN 30 JAN
Duo Vertigo
8PM
RUNS 2 HOURS INC INTERVAL
BSL INTERPRETED PERFORMANCE SUN 30 JAN
TICKETS 020 7729 9522
TABLES: £16 (£12 CONCS) ROWS: £14 (£10 CONCS)
www.thecircusspace.co.uk
page 24
WORKSHOPS AND TOTAL THEATRE LECTURE
TOTAL THEATRE LECTURE SPEAKER: DAVID GOTHARD
The Roots of Visual Theatre: Can we ever look Tadeusz Kantor in the face? ICA Sat 22 Jan 2pm Tickets: £5.00 ICA Box Office: 020 7930 3647 Special reduced rate of £2.50 for Total Theatre Network Members - only available direct from TTN on 020 7729 7944 or email to admin@totaltheatre. org.uk Director, writer and arts polymath David Gothard talks about the the recent history of visual theatre, looking at contemporary work in the context of twenty five years of risk-taking and ground-breaking work by creators in the fields of theatre, dance and the visual arts. David Gothard brought pioneering visual theatre to London in the 1980s when he was artistic director of Riverside Studios. Kantor's work, Miro's puppetry, Dario Fo's mask workshops, Tadashi Suzuki, Samuel Beckett, Cirque Imaginaire, Bread and Puppet Theatre, Mabou Mines and members of the Judson group helped launch a decade of shows, residencies and workshops at Riverside whose influence is still felt. At the same time many British artists including Peter Greenaway, Michael Clark, Bruce McLean, Simon McBurney and the Motley Design Course gave the place a long term creative energy that co-existed with a gallery that was nominated for the Turner Prize. David Gothard has directed, produced and lectured all over the world. In 2005 he is initiating and directing projects in N.Ireland, Kosovo, Ramallah and the USA. There will be an opportunity for questions after the talk. Chair: Jonathan Holloway (Total Theatre Network) This is the first in a series of occasional Total Theatre Lectures looking at the history and context of physical and visual theatre. Raimund Hoghe
AN ALCHEMY OF STYLE
Sat 15 > Sun 16 Jan: 11am > 4pm Ron East, Director, School of Physical Theatre The form a show takes develops out of a physical relationship to the imagery proposed. In this two-day workshop you will follow a voyage from your first encounter with imagery, learning how to find that sense of ‘first time’, letting go of your stereotypes and preconceptions. Then you take these encounters into play. Allow your body to lead, find your creative freedom and explore the possibilities. Finally, you sculpt this play into a style of presentation, your own style. Bring your passion, your imagination, and your energy, and leave the rest up to me. The workshop is open to anyone with a creative spark and the courage to explore it. Presented by Ron East, Director of the School of Physical Theatre, actor, director, and playwright with 30 years in the profession, this course will stimulate your passion to create, and provide you with practical skills to develop your own work. The workshop will take place at the 3 Mills Film Complex, an oasis in the heart of London’s vibrant east end. Course Fee: £80 Booking: 44 (0) 20 8215 3350, fax 44 (0) 20 8215 3482, e-mail: school@ physicaltheatre.com Venue: School of Physical Theatre, Waterhouse Studios, 3 Mills Film Studios, Three Mill Lane, Bromley-byBow, London E3 3DU Tube: Bromley-by-Bow. Exit the station and walk under the underpass, then down towards Tesco. Walk down Three Mill Lane and cross the small bridge over the Bow Canal, down the cobbled street to Security and Waterhouse Studios is 25 metres further on.
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Sat 22 > Sun 23 Jan 10am > 3.30pm (with 1/2 hour break) This two-day workshop will give an introduction into the dramatic use of time, rhythm and space and is based on the teachings of the late Jacques Lecoq. It is addressed to actors, dancers and other performing artists, who are attracted to the idea of creating their own theatre. The workshop is animated by Thomas Prattki, founder and director of the London International School of Performing Arts (LISPA) and former pedagogical director of the École Jacques Lecoq in Paris. Course Fee: £100 Booking: 44 (0) 20 8969 7004 or email: welcome@lispa.co.uk www.lispa.co.uk Venue: London International School of Performing Arts, Unit 8, Latimer Road, London W10 6RQ. Tube: Latimer Road (Hammersmith & City Line) Directions from Latimer Road tube: Exit right along Bramley Rd, pass under the fly-over, and take the 2nd left into Oxford Gardens. At the end, turn right into Latimer Road. LISPA is on the right, by Latimer Place. Approx 10 mins walk.
through this connection with the audience, does the performer bring the performance space to life? These are the simplest, most basic of questions, but the most difficult to answer. This workshop will be of interest to any artist working in movement theatre, clowning, street performing, mime and the Circus Arts and is a rare opportunity to work with one today's top practitioners. Course Fee: £200 Booking: 44 (0) 20 7916 5467 at Diorama Arts Centre (open Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, then answerphone) or email: admin@diorama-arts.org.uk Venue: Diorama Arts Centre, 34 Osnaburgh St, London NW1 3ND Tubes: Great Portland St, Warren St, Euston Square, Regent's Park all just minutes away. Some parking available. Disabled access.
THE LOGIC OF MOVEMENT Thurs 27 Jan: 10am-5.30pm
AVNER EISENBERG WORKSHOP
Internationally renowned marionettist Stephen Mottram leads a masterclass for experienced artists offering a unique insight into how information about character is conveyed to an audience by the way the puppet moves. Concentrating on cause and effect in movement and manipulation, this is a session for artists committed to performance using puppetry.
America's Avner Eisenberg (aka Avner the Eccentric) is one of the worlds leading mime/clowns. In a twenty year career he has appeared at innumerable festivals around the world including twice at LIMF. He was recently awarded a special jury prize at The International Circus Festival in Monte Carlo. Now equally in demand for his inspirational teaching skills, his workshop is designed to address the most basic element of performance – Presence. How does the performer take possession of the performance space? How does he or she make connection with the audience? How,
Course fee: £30 - some travel assistance available for non-London based artists. Places: by application only and numbers strictly limited. Please send a CV and covering letter by January 10th to Beccy Smith, Director, The Puppet Centre Trust, BAC, Lavender Hill, London SW11 5TN / pct@ puppetcentre.demon.co.uk Venue: Diorama Arts Centre 1, 34 Osnaburgh St, London NW1 3ND Tubes: Great Portland St (Osnaburgh Street is directly opposite the tube exit), or 5 minutes walk from Warren St. Some parking available. Disabled access.
Mon 24 > Fri 28 Jan: 10:30am-4:30pm
WORKSHOPS AND TOTAL THEATRE LECTURE
CREATING THEATRE
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020 7223 2223
BOOKING
The Mall SW1Y 5AH
020 7930 3647
www.bac.org.uk Lavender Hill SW11 5TN Companies: Momentum Sleeping Dogs Gecko In Person: Mon 10.30am-6pm Tue-Fri 10.30am-9pm Sat 4-9pm Sun 4-8pm Christmas closure: 24-28 Dec, 31 Dec-3 Jan. Phone: 020 7223 2223 until 6pm (7pm on Sun). Post: Send cheque made payable to ‘BAC Ltd’ to The Box Office. E-mail: boxoffice@bac.org.uk Tickets cannot be reserved. Please arrive early as latecomers may not be admitted. No refunds or exchanges. Book online: www.bac.org.uk Transport: Train to Clapham Junction from Waterloo or Victoria. BAC is a 10 min walk up Lavender Hill. Tube to Clapham Common, then a few stops on 345 bus. Buses 345, 77, 77a, 156 and G1 all stop on Lavender Hill.
www.ica.org.uk Companies: Akhe Camille Boitel Kitt Johnson Raimund Hoghe Total Theatre Lecture In Person/By Phone: 020 7930 3647 Mon-Sun 12 noon-9.15pm (most busy between 6-9pm) E-mail: tickets@ica.org.uk allow 24 hrs for processing. Post: Send cheque made payable to ‘ICA Ltd.’ with 1st class s.a.e. to the Ticket Office, or provide credit card details.
Book all your tickets in advance by post, in one transaction, if your order reaches the Mime Festival office by Thur 16 Dec. A booking form can be downloaded from mimefest.co.uk Or we can fax you a copy if you ring us on 020 7637 5661, or fax us on 020 7323 1151.
020 7637 5661
Venue info only 8691 8600 www.laban.org Company: Mathurin Bolze ALL ADVANCE BOOKINGS for this event are via the Mime Festival and not Laban. Pre-performance door sales only at Laban, subject to availability. Ring the festival office on the day of the performance for up-to-date information on door sales.
Christmas closure: 24-26 Dec, 31 Dec, 1 Jan
Payment method: Personal cheque or postal order, made payable to ‘London International Mime Festival Ltd.’ No credit cards or switch.
Transport: Tube/Train: a short walk from Charing Cross, Embankment and Piccadilly. Bus: 3,6,9,11,12,13,15, 23,24,53,77A,88,91,159,176 which stop on Strand or Whitehall and 29,91,139 stop on Pall Mall.
Christmas closure: 24 Dec - 4 Jan Phone reservations can be left on the answer-machine leave your name and phone number and you will be called back. Reservations by e-mail will also be dealt with during this period.
17 Queensberry Place, London SW7 2DT
020 7073 1350
www.institut-français.org.uk
ADVANCE BOOKING FACILITY
Creekside SE8 3DZ Bookings
Companies: Théâtre du Mouvement Les Enfants du Paradis (film) Phone/In Person: Open: 10am-8pm Mon-Sat Christmas Closure: 22 Dec - 4 Jan Transport: Tube: South Kensington, then approx. 2 minute walk along Harrington Road, turning right into Queensberry Place. Bus: 14,45a,49,70,74,C1.
Phone: 020 7637 5661 Mon-Fri 11am-5pm (answermachine at other times leave your name and number and you will be called back). Fax: 020 7323 1151 Please state your name, your phone/fax number (daytime & evening), the price and quantity of tickets you require and the performance date. You will be faxed back with confirmation of the booking and payment instructions. E-mail: mimefest@easynet. co.uk Allow 24 hours for a response. Please state your name, email address, phone number (daytime & evening), the price and quantity of tickets you require and the performance date. You will be emailed back with confirmation of the booking and payment instructions. Sending Payment: Please send a cheque made payable to ‘London
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Please write your name and address on the back of your cheque. Reservations: Payment for reservations must be received within 3 working days (Mon-Fri) of the booking, otherwise they will be released. Please note: latecomers will not be admitted. Transport to Laban: Mainline Train: Deptford and Greenwich from London Bridge. Travel time 8 mins. Docklands Light Railway (DLR): Greenwich, Cutty Sark and Deptford Bridge + 10 min walk. Bus: 47,53,89,177,180,188, 199,225 & 453 + 5-10 min walk. For detailed information and a map, visit www.laban.org and click on 'Travel Directions'.
The Circus Space Coronet Street, London N1 6HD
020 7729 9522
www.thecircusspace.co.uk Company: Circus Space Cabaret By Phone/In Person: 020 7729 9522 or 7613 4141 and press option 2. Open Mon-Fri 9am-10pm, Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 10am-6pm (answer-machine at other times), or buy in person from The Circus Space, Coronet Street , London N1 6HD. Christmas closure: 23 Dec - 4 Jan. Travel: Tube: Old Street Bus: 26, 43, 55, 242, 243, 271 Access: The ground floor level of The Circus Space is accessible to wheelchair users. There is an adapted toilet.
South Bank Centre
incorporating the Purcell Room and Queen Elizabeth Hall
Belvedere Road SE1 8XX
08703 800 400 www.rfh.org.uk
Companies: Jean-Baptiste André Nola Rae Les Witloof Stephen Mottram Company FZ Familie Floez Tricicle The Individuals / Les Bubb
BOOKING BOOKING
International Mime Festival Ltd.’ with a 1st class, s.a.e. to: LIMF, 35 Little Russell Street, London WC1A 2HH.
In Person: RFH Box Office daily 11am-8pm QEH/Purcell Room Box Office from 6pm on event days. No transaction fee. Phone: 08703 800 400 daily 9am-8pm. £1.50 transaction fee applicable. Christmas Opening Times: 24 Dec: closes at 4pm; 25 Dec closed; 26 Dec 12noon-8pm; 31 Dec closes at 4pm; 1 Jan 1pm-6pm Fax: 020 7921 0821 On-Line: www.rfh.org.uk (£1.50 transaction fee applicable in each case) Post: Cheques payable to ‘South Bank Centre’ and sent to The Box Office. Leave amount blank but indicate upper limit. Please quote your name, address and phone numbers. £1.50 transaction fee applicable Minicom Textphone: 020 7921 0921 Transport: Tube: Waterloo, or cross river from Temple, Embankment or Charing Cross. Bus: 1,4,26,59,68,76,168, 171,17 2,176,188,243,341,501,521,X68 stop on Waterloo Bridge. 76,77,211,341,381 stop in York Road. Train: Waterloo or Waterloo East.
Sleeping Dogs
FOR THE LONDON INTERNATIONAL MIME FESTIVAL Directors: Helen Lannaghan & Joseph Seelig Press Representatives: Anna Arthur PR (020 7637 2994) Festival Assistant: Eva San Roman Production Manager: Bill Deverson Marketing Consultants: Mobius Industries (020 7731 1202) Brochure/Web Design: Kean | Lanyon (www.keanlanyon.com) Printed by: Fulcrum Colour Printers LIMF: 35 Little Russell Street, London WC1A 2HH Tel: 44 (0) 20 7637 5661 Fax: 44 (0) 20 7 323 1151 mimefest@easynet.co.uk www.mimefest.co.uk
LONDON INTERNATIONAL MIME FESTIVAL 2005
DATE Sat 15 Sun 16 Mon 17 Tue 18 Wed 19 Thu 20 Fri 21 Sat 22 Sun 23 Mon 24 Tue 25 Wed 26 Thu 27 Fri 28 Sat 29 Sun 30
PURCELL ROOM
ICA
J-B André
INSTITUT FRANÇA QEH FOYER
8pm
J-B André 6pm
J-B André 8pm
Nola Rae 8pm
Nola Rae 8pm
Akhe
8pm
Th Mvmt / Les Enfa
12pm / 2pm / 6pm
Akhe
8pm
Akhe
8pm
Akhe
8pm
Les Witloof 8pm
Les Witloof 8pm
Les Witloof 6pm
Les Witloof 4pm
Camille Boitel
8pm
Camille Boitel
8pm
Camille Boitel
8pm
Individuals / Bubb
12.30pm
Individuals / Bubb
12.30pm
Stephen Mottram 8pm
Company F.Z 8pm
Company F.Z 8pm
Company F.Z 8pm
Kitt Johnson
8pm
Kitt Johnson
8pm
Kitt Johnson
8pm
Familie Floez 8pm
Familie Floez 8pm
Familie Floez 4pm
Raimund Hoghe
8pm
Raimund Hoghe
6pm
Plus Total Theatre Lecture and Workshops - see pages 24-25
AIS QEH
LABAN BAC THEATRE BAC STUDIO 2 CIRCUS SPACE CROYDON C’TWR Nola Rae 7.45pm
ants
DATE Sat 15 Sun 16 Mon 17 Tue 18 Wed 19 Thu 20
Tricicle
Fri 21
7.45pm
b
Tricicle
b
Tricicle
Sat 22
7.45pm
Sun 23
6pm
Mathurin Bolze 7.30pm
Mathurin Bolze Gecko 7.30pm
8pm
Mathurin Bolze Gecko 7.30pm
Circus Cabaret
8pm
Gecko
Momentum
8.30pm
Momentum
8.30pm
Momentum
8pm
8pm
8.30pm
Circus Cabaret
Gecko
Sleeping Dogs
8pm
8pm
8.30pm
Circus Cabaret
Gecko
Sleeping Dogs
8pm
8pm
8.30pm
Circus Cabaret
Gecko
Sleeping Dogs
8pm +BSL*
* British Sign Language interpreted performance
6pm
6.30pm
Mon 24 Tue 25 Wed 26 Thu 27 Fri 28 Sat 29 Sun 30
For page contents see inside front cover