Projects Training Artists Creating New Works Developing Communities
The Glass Contraption leads training labs to pursue approaches to clown, physical and ensemble-based theater. This process-oriented work promotes risk and experimentation, enabling the artists to expand and the ensemble to develop a shared theatrical language.
We blow the welcoming conch and performers, directors and teaching artists gather to work in various theatrical styles (Clown, Bouffon, Shakespeare, Mask, Games). We explore approaches to these styles: we take them apart, turn them around, smash them and then make a beautiful souffle. We use these approaches, particularly the perspective of the clown, to examine themes that strike our fancy (Heartbreak, Fear, Joy, The Great Quest, Walk a Day in My Pants). The labs often lead to something akin to an essai - an artist’s first proofs. Like throwing paint on a canvas, our essais are thrown together, exuberant, but messy little compositions that lead us to questions and insights that we may want to pursue further in the rehearsal room.
Above all, the labs create opportunities for each performer to re-engage with why he or she steps on the stage in the first place. Why do we choose to move into the light to tell a story in front of other people? Perhaps it is to pursue something scary, a little dangerous, but hopefully beautiful and honest. This exploration and discovery, this spark of inspiration, is a little gift that the artists can take with them when they leave.
GAMES WORKSHOP
THE CLOWN LAB
PUNISH IT! THE BOUFFON LABS
