Hi! So here's a series of videos I was going to show to you in class and talk to you about, but since I'm ill I thought you all could have fun watching them on your own. These are only a few of the many amazing clowns out there, and I've posted annotations with each, so you can get my take on them, why I chose to show them, etc.
If you could please make a "reading" response post responding to these clips, then we can discuss further when we return on the 7th. Same parameters as your normal reading responses.
This is just pure genius re: isolation of his body parts, and especially that creating the world using focus and physicality, that we discussed before break.
Who knew plastic shopping bags could be sublime? And who's his chair?
Okay people: this is Bill Irwin, Super Clown Genius, and I am not kidding. I took a workshop from him, and...just. No words. I adore this piece because it's postmodern, or at least it makes scathing commentary on postmodernism in theatre. Also, the way this man MOVES...The entire show is up on YouTube as well, I believe.
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The Master himself. This is classical mime at its most incredible. Note how he is dressed very much like a Commedia character, or a classical ballet dancer. Also: HOW does he isolate his FACE like that??
CLOWNLYMPICS INSPIRATIONS:
Here are some amazing sporting events that I hope you all feel inspired by and in awe of:
Short, sweet, simple. Beginning, middle, and end. Monty Python. Need I say more?
Paul Hunt is quite the gymnastics virtuoso. Search for his balance beam routine too: it's extraordinary. And talk about your taihenjutsu punchline ending!
A classic sports scene from the movie City Lights. Obvs some unsafe stuff here, but do admire and note the incredible choreography here. Yes, clowning takes lots and lots of rehearsal.
Showing posts with label Reading Response. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Reading Response. Show all posts
Feb 7, 2014
Chapter 4 BW
Personal Reaction:
I have been hearing a lot about buoyancy, radiancy, and potency this semester. I first heard it in rehearsal for Urinetown. I found it cool that I was able to link this class right to my experience. I remember doing the wall buoyancy thing years ago so to do it again and to understand what it means is pretty cool. Some of these in depth exercises seem really weird and I think they will be harder to accomplish than it looks. I have to admit that I kept laughing at the illustrations because they all look like weirdly shaped zombies instead of normal people.
Professional Reaction:
Buoyancy, radiancy, and potency characteristics are a great way to start developing a character physically. I think the exercises are important in the way that they make you more aware of your body which in turn will make it a bit easier to control. With continued use of these exercises it will be easier to tap into the natural energy stored in our bodies.
I have been hearing a lot about buoyancy, radiancy, and potency this semester. I first heard it in rehearsal for Urinetown. I found it cool that I was able to link this class right to my experience. I remember doing the wall buoyancy thing years ago so to do it again and to understand what it means is pretty cool. Some of these in depth exercises seem really weird and I think they will be harder to accomplish than it looks. I have to admit that I kept laughing at the illustrations because they all look like weirdly shaped zombies instead of normal people.
Professional Reaction:
Buoyancy, radiancy, and potency characteristics are a great way to start developing a character physically. I think the exercises are important in the way that they make you more aware of your body which in turn will make it a bit easier to control. With continued use of these exercises it will be easier to tap into the natural energy stored in our bodies.
Martin Waugh. 2006. "Liquid Sculpture" http://www.liquidsculpture.com/
Feb 5, 2014
Reading Response, BW Chapter 4
Wow, I was not expecting
such in depth instructions and experiments. If we hadn’t already been
experimenting with these in class, I may have actually tried some out, but I
feel like I already have a pretty good grasp of the ideas/feelings.
Lessac describes buoyancy
as “dynamic relaxation”. For me, relaxation is the wrong word. I would say if
feels more fluid or air filled. How about “dynamic oxygenation”? That works
better for me. I did like the term “creative calm” in the standing position. It
brings to mind many helpful images.
For the Radiancy section,
all I really needed were the words “vibration”, “shimmering” and “body spark”.
Potency seems to me, from Lessacs description to be a little more energized
than what I was imaging in class. I do understand the concept of the “body yawn”
feeling though.
I found the vocal section
to be brief, yet interesting. I may do some more research into that at a later
time.
I can easily see how all of
these exercises would be beneficial to any performer whether it be for acting,
dancing, singing, or whatnot.
Photo by Jess Eggart, July 2008. Phoenix, AZ. Miss Kitty-Kitty demonstrating Radiancy under the green chair, about to hunt the wild peacocks.
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