Impossible stakes, mistakes identities, irrational decisions: farce is an art of reaction in situations of urgency, demanding a high-intensity style of play. This highly virtuosic, almost athletic style can feel wonderfully cathartic when the madness is well built and well executed. From medieval theater to Commedia Dell'arte, from Ruzzante to Dario Fo by way of Feydeau, farce has always served to expose and ridicule the hypocrisy of social codes and mores — like a grotesque, joyous, mirror held up to society.
In this workshop, Jos Houben and Emily Wilson put into practice the tools of The Art of Laughter and of their own comic creations to explore the body of farce: an explosive, urgent style of play, driven by desires and imperatives that even the characters are unable to control.
We will explore foundational texts of farce to uncover their level of play and the laws that govern them, and from there seek to develop a contemporary style of writing and playing. Where is farce today? How do we build this deliciously wobbly house of cards that will collapse to the audience's great delight? We will play with our own codes and mores: what are they today, what can we mock, what is the fertile ground of our own contemporary farces?

Practical Information

Dates: June 21 - July 2
Hours: 10:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. / 2:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Address: Les Tréteaux de France – 2 rue de la Motte, 93300 Aubervilliers
Length: 10 days (50 hours)

Teachers: Jos Houben, Oria Puppo, Emily Wilson
Who it's for: Workshop open to 18 participants (actors, set designers, dancers, costume designers, musicians, teachers, technicians, writers etc.)

Prerequisites: At least two years of theatrical experience.

Pricing:
900€ self financed (payment plan possible) / 1900€ if paid by AFDAS, France Travail etc.

Rates are reduced when registering for multiple workshops.

If you would like to participate in a workshop, but are in financial hardship, don't hesitate to reach out. Payment plans are possible, as are a limited number of scholarships or reduced price courses.

To sign up:
Inscriptions open from the 1st of October

For any questions or further information, don't hesitate to contact us at: [email protected].