Renowned principal clown of Slava's Snowshow, Jef Johnson will be in residence at Theaterlab for the month of April. He will conduct attunement based clown workshops: Foundations, Embodiment, Intensive, and Mask. Jef will also perform his new solo piece White Noise.

color photos of Jef Johnson: Chris Borgman

FOUNDATIONS (I) will give a basis for philosophy and language for the work.  This work is mostly centered in re-connecting with the senses and the environment.  Perception of the external space and realizing how the inner space is moved by external stimuli.  

EMBODIMENT (II) will focus on tactics of Play which give primitive inroads to mind-body (and perhaps spirit) connection.  Too often in "performance" the actor "embodies" character through a process of mental impressions and the mind then attempts to construct the physical body into a shape that the mind feels is adequate to promote this new "character."  This is mimicry and not embodiment, in my view.  In this workshop, we will begin to examine the subjunctive processes underlying objective interactions, but indirectly....

INTENSIVE (III) will be a broader workshop designed to release the ridiculous energy in the participants.  Using a combination of exercises and games and improvs..etc.  The mind will be challenged and the body will find its truth. 

In my view, Foundation-Embodiment-Intensive are stages of one workshop, but I have divided them so people can have the possibility to explore something, if their schedules do not allow for all.

I am also offering a special workshop introduction to MASK:

intro to MASK is a two session workshop which will give some experience-introduction to MASK.  My training in MASK is based in rites and ritual.  The MASK is a gateway to the spirit realm, to the greater consciousness.  The MASK is not simply a theatrical adornment, something decorative, suggestive, of reason and judgement, which is how it is introduced in other schools.  This work draws from the inner consciousness, metaphor, myth, and spirit.

The content of this work is also relevant to many of the challenges facing the performer and the clown. I am offering this special workshop by request. It is a rare opportunity.

Other open classes:*

FREE PLAY    

Thurs APRIL 2 (2p-5p) 

  

INFUSION   

Fri   APRIL 3 (3p-6p)

AWARENESS: Space and Timing  

Wednesdays APRIL 8,15,22,29 (2p-5p)

*All individual class sessions $30

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