old dog - new tricks
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First a confession: a few years ago I was subject to ritual humiliation in one of John Wright's workshops - each time I reluctantly clambered to my feet to engage with one of his exercises my efforts were greeted by a forest of hands telling me I was patently not interesting and certainly not amusing. (Read the book for reference to this exercise) I went away feeling bruised and somewhat resentful of those to whom clowning and buffoonery appeared to come easily. It was only later that I realised I had been taught an incredibly valuable lesson, and one that should have been obvious to a drama professional: always pay attention to your audience - they will let you know if they like what you are doing - and if they don't - try doing something else.
This book is a manual of useful exercises; a personal philosophy of performance; and a lifelong journey of discovery and exploration around the broad area of theatrical clowning and physical comedy. It is written in a jargon-free style, whose use of self-effacing anecdote made me laugh out loud on a number of occasions. The descriptions of the exercises are precise and detailed, enabling the experienced teacher to visualise and adapt easily. The book has a resemblance to Keith Johnstone's classic text 'Impro', in both its structural format and its very real enjoyment of and passionate engagement with its subject matter. In a time where educators are encouraged to 'facilitate' rather than teach, where the notion of 'failure' has been erased from the curriculum, John Wright teaches us the most valuable lesson of all - failure is fundamentally and absolutely how we learn - we just have to 'keep getting up', keep taking risks, and keep trying new things - and always, always, watch the audience.
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Real work and highly recommended!
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This book clearly lays out the fundamentals of John Wright's work. It breaks apart acting clichés and the far too frequent stuffiness of theater. It gives theater makers and performers tools and practical exercises that really work. And it will help you to make work! He draws on his vast experience and explorations with actors and other great master teachers and theater makers. His work is liberating and inspiring and this book reads that way. And it's about alot more than just comedy. It will make you want to go out and make a play right away. Your work will be better for it.
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