Hunchback

Today we explored the Hunchback.

Big big hunchbacks. Stubs for arms. Dirty Face. Legs tied together tightly at the knees.

Eight people got dressed up and then stayed on stage for the whole class. Each having a go at different games Philippe offered, starting with a game of soccer.

Then, make us believe you are a figure skating champion...classical ballet dancer... Imitate a fascist (Vicky was fantastic at this)...a gymnastics teacher... 

Say a poem, sing a song, tell us (in a gay voice) why you don’t like homosexuals.

Look at us!

Show your face!

Stay down!

Quiet on your feet!

Play with your arms!

Already it’s clear that lightness is important. The image is so heavy, so light movement and  light voice helps to give something else. And when the text is poetic and light, it works nicely.

Bouffon is “good for politics”...it’s “good if you have something to say.”

“The more you are handicapped [the better]...it gives something to discover for the actor.”

“It’s better to have a voice [that] comes from far.”

“The don’t mock something beautiful...they mock bastards.”