OUR MASK . 2018 . FRANCE
TRAINING COURSE
9-23rd JULY 2018
HOMADE, BRIVEZAC, FRANCE
The art behind mask theater encompasses a metaphor for the human condition – an simplifying and protecting glass. Working with this tool is an opportunity to find ourselves – our hopes, dreams, fears, and virtues, our flaws and our processes. the neutral mask shows everything magnified. It is an embodiment of truth. It somehow convinces us of the wisdom of radical expression, and if we are here to bear witness to the universe, the mask representation of ourselves provides the strongest commentary. This artistic expression often allows for recognition and processing of emotions because of its non verbal, physical, new kind of language. “Our Mask” workshop aimed to involve youth workers and artists from various corners of Europe to exchange and develop educational tools using mask, storytelling, physical theater as a methodology to provide a safe space and opportunities of expression for young people, especially youth at risk, to foster mutual understanding, inclusion, integration, active participation and community building.
TEAM
RICHARD KIMBERLEY
TRAINER
Richard has been teaching and performing internationally for 8 years. After traveling for 5 years working with social circus and environmental projects, he completed studies with clown guru Philippe Gaulier at his school in France, majoring in theatre, clown, vaudville & bouffon. He studied clown in Spain with Hernan Gene and Gabriele Chame. Trained Mask (making) & Movement Theatre in Italy with Matteo Destro and Paula Coletto. Learnt directing and devising techniques from ‘Told by and idiots’ Paul Hunter. Trained puppetry and ensemble work with Complicité in England. He continued broadening his clown knowledge with SpyMonkeys Aitor Basauri and Vivian Gladwell at Nose to Nose. Along with training pantomime, music, circus, movement and acrobatics.
Richard's personal creative work, performing and teaching goes under the name “From the playns".
Through his training and performing, Richard has developed an interest in exploring and teaching “awareness”. Of the performer, of the audience, of each other and of course of one's self. His work is fuel by the exploration of games and connection the search for where one has pleasure for where one is beautiful and vulnerable why one is special and of course… how to share this with the audience.
Together with Juri, they are “Barada Street”.
JURI KUSSMAUL
TRAINER
Juri was born 1986 in the mountains of Northern Kyrgyzstan and was raised by Bears! BIG ones! or German rooted Russian musicians. He never remembers which. He moved in 1993 to Germany. He later moved to Berlin and for two years studied Architecture from 2006-08 and Sculpture/fine art between 2008-2014 at KHB-Weissensee.
Since his childhood he was surrounded by musical influences and physical education. Known by many as the Human bear, Juri has trained years in many different kinds of art (sound art, acrobatics, martial arts, acting, pantomime, dance, music and twirling English gentlemen) with the idea of finding a way to connect those disciplines.
“Masks — ancient, sacred, human”
Using masks is a very ancient human practice. Anthropologists still wonder what in human culture led to the invention and use of the mask. The first masks were most likely created to associate the wearer with an abstract character, such as “gods” or a social role. Almost all cultures have since then known the use of masks.
At the end of the workshop there was a show open to the local public. The participants and “Barada Street” were amazing on stage. See some more photos here.
This training course has been co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme. If you would like to find out more about the programme, please visit European Commission’s webpage here.
