International Mask Festival 2007

The International Mask Festival features a range of mask making and using workshops led by some of the world's most experienced practitioners for beginners, advanced levels and children alike…

Workshops: Click on the Workshop of your choice to discover more. Ninian-Kinnier-Wilson Leather Mask Making Didi Hopkins Commedia dell'Arte Stephen Jon Paperface Bim Mason Using Large Scale Masks Mas Soegeng Balinese mask for the Topeng Footsbarn Mask Making & Using Trading Faces Family Mask Horse+Bamboo Introduction to Mask Performance Mike Chase Hero's Journey Geese Theatre Behind The Mask Trestle Theatre Company Workshop for Teachers and Practitioners Baim & Brookes Who Else Can I Be? John Wright Sublime to Ridiculous
Ninian Kinnier-Wilson Leather Mask-making Friday 19^th – Sunday 28^th October 10.00am – 6.00pm daily Venue: Mask Studio, Glasshouse site Prices: £480 (including materials) / £450 concessions (including materials) Suitable for ages 18+ Over a 10 day period participants will design and sculpt their own Commedia dell’ Arte mask in clay. They will then transfer their design onto a wooden last. Italian leather will then be applied to this mould and formed with a horn hammer and stiketta, a process which involves applying brass nails to the mould and beating the surface with a horn hammer. The mask is then removed from the mould followed by skiving, slicing, finishing and dyeing of the mask. The mask-making process will be accompanied by demonstrations, informal talks and presentations about the spirit and practices behind Commedia dell’Arte which is often regarded as the great school of Western popular theatre. Ninian Kinnier-Wilson is recognised as one of the greatest European mask-makers alive today. A graduate in Fine Art, Ninian has an extensive background in both performing Commedia dell’ Arte, having trained with Carlo Boso, and mask making, having trained with Stephano Perroco in Paris, London and Avignon. He was co-founder of Unfortunati Commedia company and frequently works as an associate at the National Theatre with Commedia Works. In the past he has produced masks for companies all over the world, including Trestle Theatre Company and the RSC, and his masks have been exhibited extensively in the UK and France. Back to Top
Didi Hopkins Commedia dell’ Arte Saturday 20^th & Sunday 21^st October 10.00am – 5.00pm Venue: Eurythmy Room, Glasshouse site Workshop prices: £150 / £130 concessions / £120 first 5 places Suitable for ages 16+ The two day practical workshop is a voyage into the energy, essence and spirit of Commedia, the DNA of all physical theatre and grammar of classical text. The masks of Ninian Kinnier-Wilson and the research and methodology practiced by both Kinnier-Wilson and Hopkins opens up the world of popular Commedia dell’Arte, root of Pantomime, Melodrama, Restoration, Punch and Judy, Mr Bean, Baldrick, Brecht, Manuel and Mr Burns. Through the time machine and tradition of Commedia the workshop explores archetype, character, mask, emotional landscape and how this oral tradition is alive, kicking and vital to all theatre making in the 21^st century. This workshop includes a lot of playing. Didi Hopkins is an actor and director firmly planted in Commedia who works internationally and has a huge reputation as a merchant of energy and engineer of the imagination. Back to Top
Stephen Jon Paperface Saturday 20^th October 10.30am – 12.00pm and 1.00 - 2.30pm Venue: Drop-in session in Crown Centre, Stourbridge Sunday 21^st October 11.00am – 12.30pm and 3.00pm – 4.30pm Venue: Lower Glasshouse, Glasshouse site Workshop Price: £2.50 per participant (includes materials) Suitable for ages 7-13. Each young person must be accompanied by an adult. Inspired by masks in the exhibition, we shall be making card and paper masks showing the many ways in which faces can show character, be they Animal, human or superhuman. We shall create mask characters which could be used for performances, not just pretty faces to decorate our walls. Work with Stephen Jon, a mask-maker from Nottingham who has been working with schools throughout the East Midlands making masks inspired by Museum collections. Stephen has concentrated on the world of “The Mask” as a maker, a user and a teacher since training with the mask Studio in 1995. Stephen primarily works with young people focusing on the making and using of masks as a tool for the development of emotional literacy. Since 2003, Stephen has worked for Creative Partnerships as both a practitioner and as a Creative Agent, advising schools on their own development of creative responses to the national curriculum. Back to Top
Bim Mason Using large scale masks Saturday 20^th October 1.30pm – 4.30pm Venue: Lower Glasshouse, Glasshouse site Workshop Price: £50 / £45 concessions / £40 first five places Suitable for ages 18+ participants do need to be reasonably strong and agile The workshop will examine the techniques of using large scale masks. It will focus on the example of The Bigheads, a piece originally part of an indoor theatre show that developed into an outdoor improvisational piece which has toured from Singapore to Montreal. Participants should be reasonably strong and agile. As well as usage we will also consider the artistic process and construction techniques. Bim Mason is the co-founder and Artistic Director of Circomedia. He trained with Jacques Lecoq and Desmond Jones and has performed for 30 years including three solo physical comedy shows. He founded Mummer & Dada, Peepolykus and Dark Horse. His directing work has produced three Fringe Firsts and one Herald Angel Award. His writing work includes the book Street Theatre. Back to Top
Mas Soegeng Balinese Mask Dance Workshop for the Topeng Monday 22^nd October 10.00am – 1.00pm Venue: Lehr Studio Theatre, Glasshouse site Workshop Price: £45 /£40 concessions / £35 first five places Suitable for ages 16+ Mas will run a three hour mask using workshop where participants will have the opportunity to work with a range of masks used in the famous Topeng dance of Bali. Mas Soegeng was born in Java. When he was very young, like many children in Java, he became fascinated with “Ketroprak” and “Wayang Wong”. This traditional style of puppet theatre is based on the Hindu Ramayana and Mahabarata epics, combined with themes from Javanese folklore. They were often used to teach morals as well as to entertain, and are seen as a highly influential popular art form for spreading morality and social criticism. In his village, surrounded by Theatre and dance, he studied with the elders and learnt his trade. Later Mas Soegeng went to live in Bali so he could study Balinese culture and in particular the Balinese mask theatre, “Topeng”. He was initiated by two of the grand masters of the time; Nyoman Pugra (theatre) and Wayan Rindi (dance). Now, having lived in France for the last 25 years, his style of performance has been enriched by Western theatre traditions. His show is therefore a meeting of different styles of theatre, it is a voyage with the characters; the Topeng ones travel from the Orient to our theatre; those from the West become both Oriental and Western. Back to Top
Footsbarn Mask making and using workshop Monday 22^nd, Tuesday 23^rd, Wednesday 24^th, Thursday 25^th October 10.00am – 5.00pm Venue: Big Top, Glasshouse site Workshop Price: £250 / £230 Concession / £220 first five places Suitable for ages 16+ The workshop will lead the student through the whole process of making a mask based on a cast of their own face, and will teach them, through playing, how to use this mask. The workshop price includes entry to the performance of Mas Soegeng Journey to the World of Masks at 3.30pm on Monday 22nd which will act as a reference in the use of mask and then we will welcome Mas into the workshop for the remaining sessions. The mask making process takes a couple of days so during this period the students will be taught the art of playing with masks using a selection that Footsbarn is providing. On the final day the students will use their own finished masks and perform a collective presentation "A Family of Masks" In thirty five years, Footsbarn has produced nearly 60 plays, travelled the six continents and is truly a multi-national group. The actors possess a multiplicity of talents and theatrical techniques all of which inhabit and enrich every performance. Footsbarn began life in Cornwall in 1971 rehearsing in a barn owned by the Foot family, whence its name. In 1984 the company left Britain to take its brand of theatre to international audiences and remained without a base until 1991 when a farm was purchased in La Chaussée, central France. Today its base is both a fully equipped production centre complete with workshops, rehearsal space, office and studios and a centre for education. Over the last 15 years Footsbarn has organised and staged numerous workshops, which have been taught by both actors from the company as well as professionals associated with Footsbarn. At present plans are being drawn up for a permanent school offering courses to both undergraduates and professionals. Back to Top

Trading Faces Family Mask Making Tuesday 23^rd October 12non – 2.00pm Venue: Stourbridge Town Hall Workshop price: £5 Suitable for families with children, minimum age 5+ all children must be accompanied by an adult, maximum 2 children to each parent/carer. This workshop accompanies Trading Faces Family touring show *Alice. Come along as a family and make masks together with the Shropshire based Theatre Company Trading Faces. Working with Trading Faces artistic director you will make the one of colourful characters from the show inspired by Lewis Carroll’s classic adventures. Choose one of several striking designs to make a colourful 3D characters using simple but effective techniques with quality card, all materials provided. Come and watch the show wearing your mask after the workshop! Open to families with children age 5 and up, everyone gets to take their mask home at the end of the workshop and any child who wears their mask to the Face to Face Exhibition at the Glasshouse gets in for free! “That was wicked that was, I thought it looked impossible, but really it was quite simple when they showed us how”* Edward Hall aged 8 “Simple to look at – great to make” Stephen Badger Saturdads workshop “The children were thrilled with the results” Lara Bradley Beacon Schools co-ordinator Trading Faces has been devising shows since 1987. Audiences large and small, young and old have been delighted year after year with their dynamic characters, superb timing, stunning sets and costume design, independent lighting and original music. Their latest performance builds on the recent success of The Little Prince created by Trading Faces for Oxfordshire Touring Theatre Company. Back to Top
Horse + Bamboo Introduction to Mask Performance Tuesday 23^rd October 2.00pm – 5.00pm Venue: Eurythmy Room, Glasshouse site Workshop prices: £45 / £40 concessions / £35 first five places Suitable for ages 16+ In this masterclass Alison Duddle and Laurence Kaye introduce Horse + Bamboo Theatre’s distinctive approach to mask work and creating visual theatre with a focus on the relationship between music and mask performance. Laurence Kaye is a composer, musician and performer. For over 10 years Laurence has acted as Musical Director and Associate Artist with Horse + Bamboo, including creating the music for Company of Angels and A Strange (And Unexpected) Event! Laurence is appearing in the company’s autumn tour of In the Shadow of Trees. Alison Duddle is Horse + Bamboo Theatre’s Associate Director. She is the director of the Company’s award winning production of In the Shadow of Trees and directed the 2006 American tour of Company of Angels. Alison has also worked with The Royal Exchange Theatre, Foursight Theatre and Heart of The Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre in Minneapolis. Back to Top
Michael Chase Hero’s Journey Mask-Making and Using Workshop Wednesday 24^th October 9.30am – 5.30pm Venue: Eurythmy Room, Glasshouse site Workshop price: £65 / £55 concessions / £50 first 5 places Suitable for ages 18+ In life we are often faced with the extremes of ideals and disappointments. We can either swing between the two, feeling the pulls of the highs and lows or we can negotiate the middle path and strive to become conscious of the elements that are at work within the psyche. Striving for balance needs vigilance, risk and humour. We will use existing masks to bring alive these elements and create spontaneous masks to explore the tension which meets us as we take the middle path to become more creative with our destiny. This is a taster workshop and participants will use masks, drama and play, to create the opportunity to explore the themes of the Hero's Journey with the support of the group, moving from the place of victim to hero. Mike Chase is an actor, mask-maker, teacher and director. He trained in mask in Bali and Italy and with John Wright and Ninian Kinnier-Wilson. He has acted with the Unfortunati, Trestle Theatre Company and The Rose Theatre Company. He established the Mask Studio in 1994 which was commited to providing masks and training for performance, education and therapy. Mike has taught mime and mask in colleges and universities internationally for nineteen years and is currently the Artistic Director of the Glasshouse Arts Centre. Mike contributes regularly to the training in Biographical Counselling and is the Festival Director for the International Mask Festival.br /> Back to Top
Geese Theatre Company Behind The Mask - Working With Offenders Thursday 25^th October 10.00am – 1.00pm Venue: Eurythmy Room, Glasshouse site Workshop prices: £50 / £45 concessions / £40 first 5 places Suitable for ages 18+ Using interactive performance and theatrical workshops, we will explore issues, which are relevant to the participating group or audience, focusing primarily on offending themes. Geese Theatre’s use of mask is primarily around the mask as metaphor i.e. as a ‘front’ or presenting behavior. This also allows them to explore the thoughts, feelings and beliefs, which are hidden ‘behind the mask’. This introductory? workshop will demonstrate some of the mask techniques Geese Theatre employ with offenders in a group setting. Geese Theatre Company is an internationally renowned team of theatre practitioners working exclusively within the criminal justice system. Since 1987 the company has worked in more than 150 custodial institutions and with 42 probation areas. During this time they have worked with upwards of 100,000 offenders. They also work with criminal justice system professionals and the agencies they represent. Suppoted by Black Country Touring Back to Top
Trestle Theatre Company Workshop for Teachers and Practitioners Thursday 25^th October 2.00pm – 5.00pm Venue: Eurythmy Room, Glasshouse site Workshop prices: £25 / £20 concessions / £15 first 5 places Suitable for ages 18+ This workshop draws on various techniques that Trestle has used to make its mask performances; and which continue to characterise the Company as one of Britain’s most innovative. You will have the opportunity to develop your own skills as well as pick up new tools to help your students produce great work. Techniques include preparation for wearing masks, the provocation of masks and improvisation in masks. Devised and led by the Head of Trestle Taking Part, Mark Londesborough. Trestle Theatre is an internationally renowned theatre company specialising in the production and touring of theatrical productions using mask, visual and physical theatre styles. Based in St Albans, Trestle Arts Base provides a home for all aspects of the company’s work and an arts based facility for the local community. Trestle Theatre Company’s work tours nationally and internationally.
Clark Baim and Sally Brookes Who else can I be? Friday 26^th October 10.30am – 4.30pm Venue: Eurythmy Room, Glasshouse site Workshop prices: £75 / £65 concessions / £55 first 5 places Suitable for ages 18+ The question, ‘Who am I?’ can usefully be complemented by the equally important question, ‘Who else can I be?’ In this day-long workshop, participants will explore the multiple roles we all have within us – the parts of one’s self that together make up who we are – and sample and practise different ways of being. This might include ‘forbidden’, forgotten, undeveloped or neglected roles. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with the concept of social, internal and imagined roles. Masks, and the concept of the mask, will be used to help in the process of exploration and also trying out new roles. Simple and safe experiential and psychodramatic methods will be used, and participants will be asked to work at a level that feels right for them. Confidentiality will be respected. Clark Baim is a Psychodrama Psychotherapist (BPA and UKCP registered) and accredited Psychodrama Trainer who has specialised for 20 years in working with offenders. He is a National Trainer for the Probation Service’s sexual offending programmes. Clark established Geese Theatre UK in 1987 and was its first Director, performing in a wide range of mask-based, improvisational productions. He is Co-Director of the recently opened Birmingham Institute for Psychodrama. Sally Brookes has worked nationally as a group work facilitator and trainer since 1990. A former Director of Geese Theatre UK, she has wide experience in the use of active group work methods within the criminal justice system and related settings. Sally has extensive training and experience as a mask designer and mask-maker, and has also performed in a wide range of mask-based productions. Sally is currently training in psychodrama psychotherapy. Back to Top
John Wright From the Sublime to the Ridiculous Friday 26^th October 10.00am – 5.00pm Venue: Lehr Studio Theatre, Glasshouse site Saturday 27^th October 10.00am – 5.00pm Venue: Eurythmy Room, Glasshouse site Workshop prices: £150 / £130 concessions / £120 first 5 places Suitable for ages 18+ A workshop exploring the similarities and the differences between neutral mask and red nose, this course isn’t just another rehash of the teachings of Jacque Lecoq but an open investigation, a fresh look at two seminal training starting points. Questions we’ll explore are, what is neutral play? And what is red nose play? John Wright is an award winning director of theatre he is a co-founder and an Artistic Director of Told By An Idiot. In 1980, he co-founded Trestle Theatre Company, where he co directed most of their repertoire until 1992. His other works include, Common Nonsense for Reykjavik City Theatre, Shakespeare’s Richard III for Third Party Productions, Arcane, a new opera for Opera Circus, Out of the Blue at the Liverpool Everyman for Rejects Revenge, Skinless, a Burlesque Cabaret about Asylum Seekers for SixOfOne. Meeting Myself Coming Back, by Kerri Hood for Soho Theatre, Only Fools no Horses, by Sarah Woods for CB Projects. He recently directed The Evocation of Papa Mas,, a play inspired by Trinidadian carnival for Told By An Idiot and Theatre Royal Plymouth. He has just finished working on the Christmas show for Polka theatre, Wimbledon. John has received the Greater London Arts Award for his contribution to Physical theatre, a Fringe First Award for Aesop, The Time Out Theatre Award for The Edge, The Guardian Award and the Sunday Times Award for She’ll be coming round the mountain, and best new work award at Hong Kong international arts festival for Shooting Sons for Ensemble Theatre Company. His first book Why is that so Funny? about Physical comedy is now available. Back to Top