Why is that so funny? I found to be a very good resource. It has a good mix of theoretical ideas with discussions on the various types of laughter. There are series of exercises through out the book that can be used to investigate physical comedy. John Wright talks about the distinction in theatrical circles between drama and comedy and how comedy is often not valued as much. It is true through my teacher training - it was more from a Stanislavski point of view. This is a refreshing look at comedy. Also the "games" exercises that John explains are games that can be used in dramatic scenes but allows for a new way of looking at events. John trained with Lecoq and this has influenced his way of working. He gives a strong outline for his version of the States of Tension and I enjoyed the sections looking at Clowning - Parody, Satire, Pastiche, Caricature, Burlesque and Buffoon. I have already used these exercises with my classes to some success. What really surprised me was how well come of the complicity games worked with my Grade 5 and 6s. It is a good book for any IB student who needs some ideas or theoretical underpinning.
2 Comments
Just finished reading Barry Grantham's Commedia Plays. It was well written and it is good for students to have a format they can refer to in the beginning to help their devising process. There was a list of lazzi - I felt this was already covered by reading through the scripts. I did enjoy the link to the great physical comedies of the silent film era. Good book - must read his other one - Playing Commedia.
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Catherine Rankin
Drama/Theatre/Dance teacher for 30 years; Currently teaching at International School Manila. Archives
November 2021
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