The FOOLS IN PROGRESS THEATRE COMPANY presents LA PRIMA DONNA an original production featuring Bianca Bonino & Ben-Jamin.
The play was spored from the need to demonstrate as many characters of Commedia dell’Arte as possible to high school students approaching the subject. What was built to be a simple educational exercise and originally called Duo Commedia, became Fools in Progress most successful original production as it is at once hilarious, informative and entertaining.
It introduces the audience to the classic style and cast of Commedia dell’Arte. Due the current #TimesUp and #MeToo movements involving the female actors of today, the Fools decided to elaborate towards a new concept, transitioning from the previous Duo Commedia to La Prima Donna. The new production focuses on the story of the first female to take to the stage and become the world’s first professional actress. It is a light-hearted comparison between the life and times of world’s first actresses and that of the modern female actor
The show remains a great introduction to Commedia as Fools In Progress perform in a comic sequence eight famous stock characters: Il Dottore, Flavio, Colombina, Brighella, Pulcinella, Il Capitano, Pantalone and of course Arlecchino. If you have never seen a Commedia dell’Arte performance before, this is the best way to get to know the main characters, the masks and the over the top acting style that Commedia dell’Arte requires. Not to forget that the content, although painstakingly and precisely planned, is no less than eighty percent improvised, relying only on the actors’ extended knowledge of the physicality and temperament of every character portrayed on stage.
► The FOOLS IN PROGRESS THEATRE COMPANY is a Sydney based, dynamic group of professionally trained actors, teachers and artists who have come together from diverse paths to showcase the origins of modern comedy through traditional Commedia dell’Arte performances and workshops. Founded in 2010 by Bianca Bonino, Fools In Progress Theatre Co. continues to demonstrate, highlight and underline the powerful significance Commedia dell’Arte holds in the mainstream media and theatrical classrooms of the 21st century.
All their performers extensively trained in Italy at the International School of Comic Acting founded and directed by Antonio Fava and collaborate to create original performances that are topical, political, spontaneous and hilarious for the young and the young-at-heart.
Together they probe, promote, preserve and perform this classic style of theatre, protecting the heritage of what is not only a significant part of European culture or, the oldest surviving tradition of Western theatre, but also the birthplace of slapstick, stand-up and satirical comedy.
►►► THE BODY THROUGH THE EYES – WORKSHOP
A Commedia dell’arte workshop presented by FOOLS IN PROGRESS THEATRE COMPANY
Trainers: Ben Newham & Bianca Bonino
Venue: ALEX THEATRE, 1/135 Fitzroy St, St Kilda
Date: Saturday 23rd March
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Fee: $160
For further information or to secure your participation to the workshop email: info@foolsinprogress.com
http://foolsinprogress.com/the-body-through-the-eyes/
Reservation no longer available