NY CLOWN THEATRE FESTIVAL 2008
Just got this boatload of info on the NY Clown Theatre Festival 2008. Lookin’ good!
After the jump you will find info on the entire crazy thing including:
Free Events
Lectures and Discussion
Workshops
Mainstage Shows
Cabarets
Site Specific Performance
They also need VOLUNTEERS!!
Want to hang with the clowns and see shows for free?
If interested please contact Gyda@bricktheater.com
FREE EVENTS:
SUBWAY PARADE, PIE FIGHT & FREE PREVIEW CABARET We’ll kick off the NY CLOWN THEATRE FE STIVAL with our 3rd annual opening day parade! Anyone and everyone is invited to join the city’s finest clowns, jugglers, stilt-walkers, and more as they gather at Union Square Park and ride the “L” train to the Bedford stop, then march to The Brick Theater for a massive public pie fight. Red noses and pies will be handed out. The pie fight will be followed by a Clown Cabaret previewing festival highlights. When: Fri, Sept 5 at 4:30 pm (Parade), and 10:00 pm (Cabaret) Where: Subway Parade begins at Union Square Park, the L train,
FREE CLOSING WEEKEND CABARET
Bitter, deformed and rabidly Caucasian scholar Lord Oxford and his faithful Irish adoptee Patty O’Pattiecake host a vicious closing cabaret for your pleasure. Guest performers include Red Bastard, John Leo & Peanuckle, 3.5 Heads and others. When: Sat, 9/27 at 10pm
CLOWN FUNERAL PROCESSION & CLOSING NIGHT PARTY Theatre Group Dzieci leads the Clown Funeral Procession of The NY Clown Theatre Festival 2008 through the streets of Williamsburg with morbid buffoonery, audience participation and the choral singing of sacred hymns. As clown mourners follow the casket to its final destination at The Brick Theater, the bereaved are likely to cry out in anguish to unsuspecting passersby. At the funeral rite following, clown widows and widowers will remember with. Be sure to stay after the funeral rite for the traditional Closing Night Party.. www.dziecitheatre.org
LECTURES AND DISCUSSIONS ($15):
PRESENCE OF THE CLOWN
w ith DAVID SHINER
Award winning director, writer and performer of clown, David Shiner discusses creating new work in clown, working with Cirque du Soleil and on Broadway. “The clown takes our deepest human weaknesses and makes them funny. The clown is also an anarchist. The clown gets to break the rules.” —David Shiner David Shiner loves to make people laugh but he takes the art of clowning seriously. “In essence the clown is a character who helps us keep in touch with the sacred part of ourselves,” he explains. “It’s a difficult part to play. At the core of the character is longing and the wish to find meaning in life.” David Shiner and Bill Irwin created the two-man, wordless show, Fool Moon. This evening of ‘inspired lunacy’ ran from 1992 to 1999, including three separate runs on Broadway. Fool Moon won a special Tony Award for Live Theatrical Presentation in 1999, a Drama Desk Award for Unique Theatrical Experience, and an Outer Critics Circle Special Achievement Award. In 2000 David originated the role of the Cat in the Hat, the host and guide of the Broadway stage musical Seussical. With the support of a grant from the Pugh Foundation he went on to develop a show at Seattle’s ACT Theatre and later adapted part of that show for his one-man produc tion David Shiner in the Round. Sat, 9/6 at 5pm
UNDERCRANKING: THE MAGIC BEHIND THE SLAPSTICK with BEN MODEL
All silent film was meant to be projected at a faster speed than it was shot at. The slapstick, sight gags and chases in silent movies are based on this speed increase: shooting the film slower than it would be projected,or “undercranking”. Join silent film historian Ben Model in this trip behind the sleight-of-hand of silent comedy film. Screening clips and film sequences by Chaplin, Model will show how the masters took the physical comedy they learned on the vaudeville stage and adapted it to create new slapstick gags that could could only exist in this wonderful silent, black& white, sped-up universe of the silent screen. This program is a must-see for anyone who loves – or is interested in making – silent
movies. For more information visit www.silentfilmmusic.com or
www.silentfilmmusic.com Sat 9/13 at 7pm
WORKSHOPS ($200, Locations Vary):
ARCHITECTURES OF PHYSICAL COMEDY
With Bob Berkey
September 6th & 7th, 10-3, $200
This course will explore structural and rhythmic elements of physical comedy, and techniques for opening possibilities of exploration and writing in the world of the theatrical clown. Participants should come with at least a five minute piece to be “played” with.
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THE DYNAMICS OF CLOWN PARTNERING
Led by Jeff Raz
September 13th & 14th, 10-1
Jeff Raz, Founder and Director of the Clown Conservatory at Circus Center, S.F. and performer with Cirque du Soleil and others, will offer a workshop focusing on one of the fundamentals of clowning – partnership; partnering with fellow performers, with props, with the audience and with one’s own body, mind and heart. We will explore the specifics of a rich partnership and apply these ideas to each of the four partnerships outlined above. How can clowns get laughs and create memorable moments by simply having dynamic relationships with the people and things in their world? Participants should bring some props and wear clothing suitable for movement. http://www.jeffraz.com
DISCOVERING THE CLOWN
Led by Christopher Bayes
Sunday September 21st, 10-5,
Jump into your body…open like a little flower…rediscover your playful spirit and the simple pleasure and ferocious generosity of performance. In this intensive workshop we pursue the clown together in all of its messy and hilarious beauty. Your relationship to all other forms of drama will be enriched by the openness and reckless abandon that the clown requires. www.christopherbayes.com
ENSEMBLE ADVENTURES IN CLOWN
led by Dody DiSanto
September 24th, 25th,26th—10am-2,
Performances
Fri, Sept 26th, 7pm
Sat, Sept 27, 5:30pm
Dodi DiSanto leads this chance to expand your clown world. A journey with others. A risky romp considering the process as the product. What does this mean? A few days of full commitment on the quest to employ nourishing methods for creating work in community. We will build an ensemble presentation that shines a light on the spectrum of clown and includes both solo and group work. Open to anyone willing to check their head at the door! www.thisisthecenter.com
BOUFFON. THE ANTII-CLOWN
Led by: Eric Davis (aka Red Bastard)
September 27th & 28th, 10-3
In the world of Bouffon, the audience is the joke. Bouffons show no vulnerability. Their great joy is to parody the audience, its values and flaws. This pack of grotesque outsiders engage and parody the audience with great joy, intelligence and charm. To play as Bouffon, is to celebrate contrast & paradox! T hey are disgusting, yet beautiful. They hate you, yet they flatter you. The Bouffons are the ultimate manipulators! A Joke, told by a Nightmare! Are you ready? A ferocious social satire is about to explode, liberating the energy in the room with an immense pleasure to parody and to play. www.redbastard.com
MAIN STAGE SHOWS ($15):
2 Chairs, 2 Clowns/Chalk it Up
Louisville, KY Performed by Emily Newton, Monica Moreau, Adriana Chavez, Brian Kuwabara, Megan Orwig and Erin Crites ME YUMMIES Clown and Theatre Company ME YUMMIES Clown and Theatre Company presents two lively opening acts. Sun 9/7 at 8:30pm
12 Hours to High Rascalry
Directed by Dodi DiSanto, Created by the ensemble with Dodi DiSanto
This is show will be developed from the workshop Ensemble Adventures in Clown. Participants shine a light on the spectrum of clown and include both solo and group work. Big and s mall wonders of high rascalry arise from planet E.A.R.T.H. (Extraordinary Adventures Researching Truthful Ha-ha). Fri 9/26 at 7pm, Sat 9/27 at 5:30 pm
Big and Little
Minneapolis, MN Performed / Co-created by Galen Treuer and Noah Bremer Directed / Co-created by Sara Richardson, accompanied by accordionist Dan Turpening A friendship unfolds between two idiots after a simple ordeal over a stolen shoe Performed by members of the award-winning theater company, Live Action Set. Big & Little is fit for all ages (and sizes). www.liveactionset.org Tue 9/9 at 7pm, Wed 9/10 at 8:30pm, Thu 9/11 at 7pm
The BIG BANG and other small things
Studio City, Californ ia Written and Directed by Mitchel Evans Performed by Mitchel Evans, Jeff Robinson, Tara Daniels, and Cynthia Mendez The Mitchel Evans Mime Project The BIG BANG & other small things” dives into a world that awes and frightens us. From the Creation of the Universe to Love and Heartbreak, MEMP presents the large and the minutiae of life through the Soul of the Clown. Wed 9/17 at 10pm Sat 9/20 at 2:30pm Sat 9/20 at 7:30pm
The Birdmann
Melbourne, Australia Written and Authorized by The Birdmann A man like no man with an ill-fitting suit, styling hair and fastidious humor, having shown in fifteen countries internationally. The vanguard of vaudeville delivers a distinct genre of his very own through plastic bag-juggling, knife-throwing and nostril tea-drinking moments of magnificence.. “One of a kind” –The Adelaide Sunday Mail. “funny…invigorating…triumph” –The Melbourne Age www.thebirdmann.com.au Sat 9/6 at 7pm Wed 9/10 at 10pm Sat 9/13 at 9pm Tue 9/16 at 7pm
Brazilian Hulk Show
Sao Paolo, Brazil Creator/Director/Cast: Pedro Muccioloco MuccioLoco Circus Have you imagined what it would be like if the Incredible Hulk had an illegitimate child in Brazil? This Brazilian with an Italian Mafiosi great-father did! Actually his last name, Muccioloco, pronounced as the Spanish “Mucho Loco”, could be translated as “Very Crazy”, in English. Recommended for children of all ages. www.mucciolococircus.com Sun 9/21 at 9pm Wed 9/24 at 8:30pm Thurs 9/25 at 8:30pm
Bury My Heart at Dumbass Cowboy
Minneapolis, MN Jon Ferguson Theater Featuring Noah Bremer, Jason Ballweber, Lisa Rafaela Clair, Kimberly Richardson, Sara Richardson and Amy Stockhaus. Created by Jon Ferguson and the company. Award winning theater-maker and director Jon Ferguson presents a romantically tragical clown-western. A cactus, a sunset and a story called yarn. Be warned: Some folks are gonna die! www.jonfergusontheater.com Thurs 9/18 at 7pm Sat 9/20 at 4pm Sun 9/21 7:30pm
The CanCan Dew
New York, NY Jenny McGowan, Aimee German A tribute to the glamorous 40’s in song and dance. These two mavericks have worked together for 30 years as a famous Vaudeville Duo but underneath their sequins and tap shoes lies destruction. Sun 9/7 at 8:30pm
C’est La Nuit Qu’il Faut Attraper La Lumiere (performed in English) A Depressive Comedy with Miss Oberniche Strasbourg, France Companie Accès-Soir Writers and creators: Orianne Bernard and Giovanni Fusetti Director: Giovanni Fusetti, Performer: Orianne Bernard Miss Oberniche invites you into her home to show you her universe, her habits, her friends and above all, her charming prince. In her home, you will also meet Santa Claus and her boss, God. So, world, hold her tight and make her dance a waltz. Then take her for an extra turn: a turn of laughter, a turn of love, a turn of life! www.orianne bernard.com www.giovannifusetti.com Sun 9/7 a t 5pm Fri 9/12 at 10:30pm Sun 914 at 5:30pm Thurs 9/18 at 8:30pm
The Crow’s Funeral
Portland, Maine Written and performed by Kelly Nesbitt. Witness Persephone Petunia Plummer, an aging plucked chicken who wants to be a crow, as she journey’s deep into the bones of her experience, excavating her inner myth. The Crow’s Funeral mourns the moment you decide to let something go. With text by Kahil Gibran. www.kellynesbitt.org Sun 9/21 at 9pm, Wed 9/24 at 8:30pm, Thurs 9/25 at 8:30pm
A Glass of Wine
Boston, MA Performer/Creator: Daniel Forlano Wouldn’t it be nice to relax with a glass of wine? What could possibly go wrong!? Everything! When a simple task becomes a grand ordeal, Daniel persists with breathtaking skills and enlightening humor despite insurmountable odds. He is called, “Quirky in the extreme!” by the Capitol Times, NZ and “The Steven Wright of physical comedy” by Avner (the Eccentric) Eisenberg. www.danielforlano.com Fri 9/12 at 7pm Sun 9/14 at 7:30 Wed 9/17 at 8:30pm
Kill Me Loudly – A Clown Noir
New York, NY
Cast: Deanna Fleysher, Jeff Seal, Chris Manley, Chris Roberti Director: Eric Davis Dirty Town Productions Sex! Murder! Clowns?! In this dream-like murder mystery, a clown trio attem pts to stage a film noir. But beware! No one returns unscathed from the depths of depravity!. Very good intentions. Very bad clowns. www.clowninadirtytown.com Fri 9/19 at 8:30pm Sun 9/21 at 5pm Fri 9/26 at 10:30pm
A Little Business at the Big Top
New York, NY
Created and performed by: David Gaines David Gaines Productions What begins as a dull day minding a popcorn stand outside the circus turns quickly into a desperate and hysterical confusion. The story races from romance to brutal abduction. A dangerous fight scene, a chase across the high wire, and death-defying plunge from the highest platform – all enacted by one (busy) performer. www.davidgainesperformance.com Sat 9/6 at 9pm Fri 9/12 at 8:30pm
El Magnifico!
New York, NY Performed by Hilary Chaplain and David Engel. Directed by Bob Berky You’ve heard of Houdini, Copperfield and Siegfried and Roy…well, so have they! Last seen on Long Island at the Garden City Motel and Smorgasbord, the magical duo of EL MAGNIFICO! and his sultry assistant have left audiences stunned, mute and begging the world over. www.davidengel.biz, www.hilarychaplain.com Tue 9/9 at 7pm, Wed 9/10 at 8:30pm, Thu 9/11 at 7pm
Manifesto!
Washington, D.C. Performed by Mark Jaster, Scott Burgess, Maia DeSanti and Sabrina Mandell. Happenstance Theater Three clowns, two visionaries, and a noise-maker walk into a bar. THIS IS NOT A JOKE. Is it? Fresh from sold out shows at the Capital Fringe Festival Beware of Forgeries! Text is from ACTUAL Manifestos. MANIFESTO! is DADA. Clown is HAHA! www.happenstancetheater.com Tue 9/9 at 8:30pm Wed 9/10 at 7pm Thur 9/11 at 9pm
The Nosdrachir Sisters
Minneapolis, MN Created and Performed by Sara and Kimberly Richardson From two of the Twin Cities’ funniest ingénues, Lecoq-trained Sara Richardson and Sage Award-winning Kimberly Richardson, comes “The Nosdrahcir Sisters”– a sold-out hit of the Minnesota Fringe Festival! In the imaginative lives of two quiet ladies, teacups triumph, aliens say “beep”20and mermaids shop in the produce aisle. Wed 9/17 at 7pm Fri 9/19 at 10:30pm Sat 9/20 at 6pm
Number’s Up!
New York, NY Written and performed by John Leo Directorial Consultation by Audrey Crabtree a Neo-Vaudeville Ode to the Glorious Awkwardness of Being Colossal global superstar El Macho Del Norte has wandered off for good, leaving his overwrought sidekick pants-down, curtains-up. Left in the lurch, the reluctant hero unpacks his baggage and turns himself inside out. As he graduates from mere sidekick to triumphant headliner, his bumblings blossom into a show filled with outrageous physical comedy, bittersweet melodies and buoyant gravitas. www.johnleo.net Tue 9/23 at 8pm Thurs 9/25 at 7pm Sat 9/27 at 7pm
PANTS! – The Best Show Ever
San Francisco, CA & Honolulu, HI Created and performed by Summer Shapiro and April Wagner. Summer and April, International Ambassadors of Stupidity, invite you to a party in their PANTS! This high energy, high stakes two-woman clown show unleashes the audience into a world of camel toes and lettuce eating contests, slow motion fights and acrobatics. human. www.summershapiro.com, www.apeswagner.com Sat 9/6 at 9pm Sun 9/7 at 8:30pm, Fri 9/12 at 8:30pm
Party of One
Chicago, IL Directed By Sue Morrison Written by=2 0Noel Williams and Sue Morrison. Journey through the psyche of Captain Melisande Blue in this award-winning Pochinko clown and Bouffon style show. Packed and ready to go, Mel and her baggage find themselves at a train station exiled for “loving a little too much.” Her divine ride features a feisty turnstile, dinner dates with luggage, and a two and a half foot mini version of “Gone with the Wind.” www.myspace.com/captainmelisande Fri 9/19 7pm Sat. 9/20 9:30pm Sun 9/21 3:30pm
Running into Walls
Portland, OR Nomadic Theatre Co Created by the performers, Heather Pearl and Sarah Liane Foster, and the director, Michael O’Neill. What would you do if your daily routine were interrupted by mortality, the ultimate interruption? Physical comedy, trombone medleys, bonsai cultivation, and flamenco come together in one raucous story when our hapless heroines, Pearl and Gerund, tackle these diffic ult questions. www.nomadictheatre.org/running.html Sat 9/13 at 5:30pm Sun 9/14 at 9pm Tues 9/16 at 8:30pm
The Soirée
South Paris, Maine Written and performed by Amanda Huotari. Directed by Avner Eisenberg. Celebration Barn Theater You’re in good hands with Elizabeth, a charming and witty hostess who, despite pretensions, is contagiously optimistic. A “bon vivant” she never lets a glass get empty. However, tonight is full of surprises and by pouring herself “just a splash” at a time, Elizabeth spills it all. www.celebrationbarn.com Wed 9/24 at 7pm Fri 9/26 at 9pm Sat 9/27 at 8:30pm
Ten West
Los Angeles, CA This Los Angeles-based-comedy troupe of Jon Monastero and Stephen Simon and directed by Bryan Coffee has garnered critical and audience acclaim across the US and Canada, most recently performing with the LA Philharmonic at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. The LA Weekly described their act as “goofy, giddy, funny and executed with infectious charm.” With a style influenced by Commedia, clowning, mime and vaudeville, Ten West is inspired comedy for all ages. www.tenwest.net, www.myspace.com/tenwestcomedy Sat 9/6 3:30pm Sat 9/6 at 10:30pm Sun 9/7 at 7pm
CLOWN CABARETS ($15):
September 11th at 10:30pm
New York clown performer Joel Jeske brings a dose of old school traditional clowning to the hosting position with an all new character. Bony Lil’s Recital Starring Bony Lil and featuring Valerie Thompson on cello ‘Bony Lil’s Recital’ is a piece featuring a serious measured demonstration of specially skilled virtuosity with live cello accompaniment. www.bonylil.com
Nailing Jello to a Tree Kathie Horejsi & Lorraine Gilman A clown has a baby and nothing published in any parenting manual can help as the anvil of life drops on her head. www.clownmommy.com Dogloveski Created and performed by Clare Parry-Jones. Gladis has left her renowned family’s funeral parlour in Poland, to follow her life’s dream: “DOGLOVESKI: canine beauty specialist. www.clownbel.co.uk Excerpt from Kill Me Loudly, and if you are other show from the festival.
September 18th at 10:30pm
Magic Brian hosts this cabaret with outrageous comedy-magic mixed in with a dash of classic sideshow. He has been featured in the Coney Island Sideshow, and on David Letterman. www.magicbrian.com Pandora Created by Kendall Cornell and Ishah Janssen-Faith Directed by Kendall Cornell Performed by Ishah Janssen-Faith One clown tries to define evil, but it’s like trying to catch water with a sieve. A box found in her path, what’s a girl to do but open it? Dogloveski Created=2 0and performed by Clare Parry-Jones. Gladis has left her renowned family’s funeral parlour in Poland, to follow her life’s dream: “DOGLOVESKI: canine beauty specialist. www.clownbel.co.uk, Tip Toe Crash is a unique blend of clowning, physical comedy and mime. This trio, comprised of Skyler Sullivan, Marissa Mickelberg, and Julia Truffat, present a new work. Excerpt from Party of One and if you are other show from the festival.
September 25th at 10:30pm
Hosted by The Renaldo The Ensemble featuring Jenny Lee Mitchell, Jonathon Roberts, Richard Ginocchio and Matthew Talmage. Aldo Perez fronts this absurd and virtuoso=2 0ensemble who play everything from opera to jazz, and tango to pop as well as original songs with biting commentary and human ridiculousness. www.theaterthe.com Graspy McTakeItAll Is feeling a little needy, a little greedy and a whole lot of want. She will consume your heart. And your soul. www.audreycrabtree.com/graspy 3.5 Heads Created & performed by Galen Caplis, Bronwyn Sims & Patrick Donnelly A professional caliber Celebration Of Dance featuring “professional” dancers, with choreography inspired by the Heart and Soul of BROADWAY, assisted by a professional-level technical person. (This is NOT a tango) Coo No More Created by Kendall Cornell, Melinda Ferraraccio & Ishah Janssen-Faith Directed by Kendall Cornell Performed by Melinda Ferraraccio and Ishah Janssen-Faith. Originally conceived for “Clowns by Dead Reckoning” at LaMama in April 2008. In protest of the despicable way in which pigeons are being eradicated, two clowns take to the world of performance art. Dogloveski Created and performed by Clare Parry-Jones. Gladis has left her renowned family’s funeral parlour in Poland, to follow her life’s dream: “DOGLOVESKI: canine beauty specialist. www.clownbel.co.uk
September 25th at 10:30pm
Hosted by The Renaldo The Ensemble featuring Jenny Lee Mitchell, Jonathon Roberts, Richard Ginocchio and Matthew Talmage. Aldo Perez fronts this absurd and virtuoso ensemble who play everything from opera to jazz, and tango to pop as well as original songs with biting commentary and human ridiculousness. www.theaterthe.com Graspy McTakeItAll Is feeling a little needy, a little greedy and a whole lot of want. She will consume your heart. And your soul. www.audreycrabtree.com/graspy 3.5 Heads Created & performed by Galen Caplis, Bronwyn Sims & Patrick Donnelly A professional caliber Celebration Of Dance featuring “professional” dancers, with choreography inspired by the Heart and Soul of BROADWAY, assisted by a professional-level technical person. (This is NOT a tango) Coo No More Created by Kendall Cornell, Melinda Ferraraccio & Ishah Janssen-Faith Directed by Kendall Cornell Performed by Melinda Ferraraccio and Ishah Janssen-Faith. Originally conceived for “Clowns by Dead Reckoning” at LaMama in April 2008. In protest of the despicable way in which pigeons are being eradicated, two clowns take to the world of performance art. Dogloveski Created and performed by Clare Parry-Jones. Gladis has left her renowned family’s funeral parlour in Poland, to follow her life’s dream: “DOGLOVESKI: canine beauty specialist. www.clownbel.co.uk
SITE SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE ($10):
The Russian Office
Copenhagen, Denmark A live installation created and performed by Denni Dennis You are standing face to face with Lenin, stacks of registration papers, export documents and magazines with a selection of hot girls, offering themselves from 30 minutes to the rest of their lives. Waiting for the stamp in your registration papers (it can take up to two weeks). But don’t worry, the vodka is cheap like the fake caviar. Welcome to Russia. www.Dennidennis.com $10 One-Time Processing Fee (Once you have been processed, you may return for free at any time. ID will be checked, so do not give your ticket to anyone else.) 30 minutes Office Hours: 9/13 through 9/27, by appointment from 6:30pm to 9:30pm (no admittance 9/21, no admittance Mondays)
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