“Teatro Punto occupies itself with the archetypes of today while developing a very contemporary actors' theater.”
Improvisation is the key to the vibrant world of commedia dell’arte. This workshop is a rigorous introduction to concrete physical techniques that are rooted in a generous, honest and direct philosophy of theater-making. Through hysterical trial and error the actor learns the articulation of movement, the use of the “fixed point”, and an engagement with an emotional state necessary to make the mask “live”. The actor is put “off balance” and learns fast and deeply. Not only do students improve their understanding of stagecraft, they make a step toward becoming autonomous artisans of their craft.
This workshop focuses on training the body and unlocking the imagination of the actor. When the body is at the service of the imagination, and the imagination is at the service of the story, all limits to play disappear. The structure of the mask provides a concrete framework for the actor to improvise within. Paradoxically, the mask does not mask, but rather, un-masks the actor. It reveals to the actor both “bad habits” and new levels of depth and honesty. Uncovering infinity of possibilities, the work is precise and vulnerable, yet above all else it is alive.
The archetypal characters of the commedia, the capitano, pantalone, il dottore, provide an entrance into the level of performance and play where the desire to live governs all. Hunger, fear and desire are the currency of these characters. As Jacques Lecoq said: 'One moment a character is capable of shedding tears about his father's death, the next he is deliriously happy because his soup is ready.'
The Workshop consists of:
• Analyses of Movement
• Physical Transformation/Metamorphoses
• From Tragedy to Comedy
• Musicality and Timing
• Mask and Archetypal Characters
• Improvisation and Scene Composition – Canovaccio
The international mask theater company, Teatro Punto, is increasing recognized for their unique and effective pedagogical approach to mask training. Actors, directors and teachers from United States and many different countries all over Europe have experienced extraordinary growth in their stage work due to the training of Teatro Punto. Combining tough rigor with ecstatic and humorous playfulness, the teachers provoke workshop participants to go mad, but with precision, clarity, and honesty.
"Teatro Punto creates an energetic, focused, and exciting atmosphere in which actors become willing to take risks and laugh at their mistakes. My students who have attended at their trainings rave about it.” Judith Chaffee, Boston University