New ‘Arlecchino mask (Chestnut Dark Paint Version) meets new clown/quarter masks.
Thank you to the Tuesday Clown Group for modelling so superbly. ‘Twas very much fun.
‘Arlecchino
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Theatre Workshop
Quarter Mask for a Belgium Clown
Ralf Weztel contacted me just three weeks ago from Brussels in dire need of a maker who could replicate a cheap plastic mask in something more durable (Paper Maché).
I met with him in Edinburgh last Tuesday, took a cast of the mask, brought it home and made the mask in time to post it on Monday so he could perform with it on Tuesday. He has a one man show throughout the Edinburgh Festival (August 2019.) Go see the show and tell me all about it as I am unable to make a return trip to Scotland.
Sometimes a tight deadline can be an exciting challenge, this one certainly was. Felt good though, timing fell into place. As I was in the north anyway, a day trip to Edinburgh was an easy diversion away from family in Berwick upon Tweed.. I do love it when there is a tangible purpose to a job.
Ralf Wetzel (Belgium) ‘Absolutely Reliable!’ by Ralf Wetzel and Lee Delon
Venue C cubed, Brodie’s Close, Lawnmarket, EdinburghEH1 2PS, venue 50 Dates 1-25 Aug (not 13) Time 22:00 (0hr50) Ticket prices £9.50-£11.50 / concessions £7.50-£9.50 / under 18s £5.50-£7.50
Evolution of ‘Maiden’ Mask
From initial research drawings, through clay sculpture, to mould making ready for casting in paper. Once out of the mould ,I experiment with paint finishes. One is prepared with a solid colour as a base coat and the other I use the paint as a stain directly onto the brown paper .
Her mantra is ‘I have a secret’.
Next I have to try the mask out on a performer.
Raggle Taggle Woof Pack
Another outing for these Dogs at The Theatre Royal, Nottingham.
Some of the gang of dogs made last year for the First Nottingham Puppet Festival, made and animated by a group of theatre enthusiasts (Theatre Royal Creative Learning Dept.). Lots of fun and mischief was had by all, puppeteers and audiences alike.
Saturday 6th April 2019. T.R.C.H.
Linking Threads
When the Clown meets the Mask ???? ‘PLAY” taking pleasure in an activity.
Saturday 23rd March 2019 at ‘Playworks’ Nottingham
Angela Hayes and Amanda Scofield, who are ‘the red herrings’ joined me, Stephen Jon Mask-Maker to play and share skills and experiences. This is continuing action research into the links between Comedy, Clown and Mask. We invited 11 associates from the physical theatre world to join us in this exploration. We payed specific reference to: Safety and Play: our professionalism and experience makes us safe. The mask and noses contribute by defining the ritualised space/ the play space/ the safe space /the theatrical space, where anything can happen. Ensemble: The Individual and the Herd. Looking at how we establish and maintain trust and awareness of our co-conspirators. So much pleasure in playing in a gang. Character and non-naturalistic theatre. A magnifying glass onto real /authentic expressions of relationships and emotion.
Release Access Pleasure Improvisation Visceral Transgress
Clown Mask Play Embodiment Naivety Freedom
Some of the masks, we used. Noses, Quarter Masks, Half Masks and Full Face Masks
We want to do more of this …….. What will come next ? …….
Six Quarter Masks
Now fully painted and photographed in action
Following last Saturday exploring with professional chums and finding some character within these masks. Looking for the pleasure in our action and finding Play.
Photographs with many thanks to Mark Curwood and for a fun morning of reflection and laughter. To be continued.
Experiments with Quarter Masks
Hanging somewhere between Commedia and Clown, the quarter mask is a new direction for me to play with. Looking forwards to trialling it with performers alongside noses.
Nottingham Puppet Festival
Today has seen the Official Launch of the Nottingham Puppet Festival. At last we can go public with this after two years of planning. This is a collaboration between Theatre Royal Concert Hall (Nottingham) City Arts Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University (Theatre Design Department). I have been acting as an advocate for independent artists within these organisations and will be facilitating a group to make and activate a pack of puppet dogs. Here are some images of the launch today at the Concert Hall.
Just a few of the puppets that were seen today, including our new ‘Maid Marion’ on her horse, who has been made especially for the festival as our mascot by Alison Duddle.
The Main Festival will take place fromThursday 22nd March till Sunday 25th March
Check out nottinghampuppetfestival.co.uk for information on events and opportunities.
BigBigTrain
Masks having a day out in the country with BigBigTrain,
filming for their new video.
Rehearsals for Commedia Show
As part of “OutMask’, Prosopon are exploring and rehearing for a Commedia Dell ‘Arte inspired ‘Cabaret’ style show. Mentored by Didi Hopkins we have now taken our experience and skills into the devising of ‘Lady WerthaChat’s Quadrille’ or ‘For every Master, a Servant’.
To be premiered at City Arts, Nottingham, friday 18th March 2012. In the spirit of Commedia this will be a rough-hewn entertainment, full of topical and local jokes.
Theatre of the people and for the people.
Stephen Jon Mask 