The workshop is a step by step course, guiding the participants through the techniques necessary to authentically understand and perform Commedia Dell'Arte. Participants first focus on Commedia's rich history and the specificity of each stock character, through the investigation of each one's shape and movement. Participants learn the techniques of performing the Masks (designed with great artistry by Carlo Setti and Fabrizio Paladin). Additionally, the participants will create simple scenes based on historical scenarios, adding props, music and fight choreography as the session progresses.The course is open to participants from various backgrounds and origins, professional performers who are interested to enhance their specialization and the beginners who wish to explore the new artistic technique. The training includes technical and creative aspects, improvisation and composition of scenes. Based on the level of experience each student will receive individual focus and exercises, as well as enjoy the collaboration in the group creative process.

PALADIN'S WORK PHILOSOPHY

The method I propose is based on using masks as a tool for the professional and personal development of actors. Commedia dell'Arte should not be seen as a genre or style, but as a technique for creating theater that focuses solely on the actor, rather than on the script or the director.

The mask, as an object, is a tool that belongs to the artist/creator and serves as a challenge for the actor to overcome in order to develop their ability to communicate and express themselves through their body. This process, which I call "Transformative Defacement," involves covering the actor's face and transferring their expressiveness to their entire body, allowing it to convey dramatic meaning to the audience.
The method is aimed to question what we have always been inclined to believe that there exist only two distinct, if not incompatible, fields of knowledge: theory and practice. It's common to believe that athletes are incapable of thinking about their sport except with their muscles and theorists are not capable of practice without their thoughts. This is a perspective that is binary and in opposition. In reality theory and practice are not separate worlds but interactive levels of science.
For this reason, the acting studio incorporates various disciplines in its research, including hermeneutics, psychology of perception, historiography, and iconography. Commedia dell'Arte serves as a framework for the studies and research of influential teachers of the 20th century, such as Stanislavski, Grotowski, Barba, Copeau, Artaud, and Lecoq.
Ultimately, the goal is to combine theory (laws) and practice (empirical solutions) to achieve knowledge: the practical rules that guide actors. By bridging the gap between theory and practice, we gain the knowledge of how to apply our art, which stems from not only individual experiences but also a broader understanding of our capacity for creative expression.
Fabrizio Paladin

All instruction takes place within the School of Theatre MetroWorks located Budapest center city, 10 minutes walk from Oktogon and the Heroes Square, on the famous Metro Line 1.

SCHEDULE:

Monday to Friday every day. Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 July are free days. Saturday 19 final presentation of the work! 

WORKING DAY ORGANIZATION

Morning Session, 10.30am to 1.30pm
Lunch break, 1.30pm to 2.30pm
Afternoon Session, 2.30pm to 5.30pm
We encourage participants to turn off their mobile phones and enjoy a wonderful, inspirational and challenging workshop, building great art, new friendships and enjoying the unique and beautiful Budapest

LOCATION:
MetroWorks

ESSENTIAL ITEMS TO BRING:
Comfortable clothes suitable for physical training

Sneakers or Gym Shoes
A belt
A firm hat with brim (think Charlie Chaplan's bowler hat)
A black cap and form-fitting black pants, sweats or tights

COSTS:
The price is 700€ all inclusive for two weeks
Places are limited and the registration is open till June 25th.
For application please write an email to teatrostudiomaschera@gmail.com or fill up the form below :-)

See you in Budapest!