Bouffon workshops - Le Cirque du Soleil - 2012 - (photo: Judith La Rochelle)
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Bouffon
with/avec Massimo Agostinelli master teacher/maître professeur |
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What is Bouffon?
Bouffon is a specialized form of clowning based on the Medieval tradition of … misshapen, unwanted misfits of society, who are actually essential to its survival … the big bums, big bellies, dwarfs, hunchbacks and heretic priest who have been thrown out of the inner circle and band together for survival … the “fou du roi” faking dumbness in order to learn the secrets of the court … creatures with a special fondness for societal taboos … a “steam valve” for everyone else’s suppressed opinions and feelings. Contrary to clown, whereby as an audience we laugh at the clown, the bouffon is two-faced and laughs at the audience. 
Bouffon Workshop Dansus Hus - Copenhagen, Denmark - 2002
Bouffon workshops- L'École de danse contemporaine de Montréal - 2007
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Qu’est-ce que c’est le Bouffon?
Une forme de théâtre physique et clownesque, dans la tradition médiévale, et qui explore divers types de personnages : les bouffons traditionnels (gros culs et gros ventres, nains, bossus et grand prêtre). Ce sont des individus rejetés vivant en marge de la société et qui sont forcés de vivre et de survivre ensemble, un mode essentiel à leur propre survie … le fou du roi qui prétend être stupide pour accéder aux secrets de la cour … des créatures avec une passion particulière pour les tabous de la société. Contrairement au personnage du clown, de sorte que le public nous rions du clown, le bouffon à deux faces rit à l'audience. 
Bouffon workshops for cast of Zaia- Le Cirque du Soleil - 2002 - (photo: Judith La Rochelle)
Bouffon workshops- L'École de danse contemporaine de Montréal - 2007
Bouffon et Danse - Massimo Agostinelli - CHOQ Radio
18 novembre, 2014, Montréal! |
Reviews
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"Massimo Agostinelli's approach forces students and professionals alike to breakthrough boundaries of self-consciousness and empower them with a sense of boldness in performance presence. The benefits of this kind of work are far-reaching and long lasting."
Kathryn Ricketts – Artistic Director Main Dance, Vancouver - 2002 |
“Do NOT miss this show! Massimo Agostinelli’s orgy of irreverence is different every night, and features spitting, farting, swearing maniacs in grotesque and bulbous costumes. From start to finish, I laughed so hard I thought I would rupture an organ. Filthy, raucous and brilliant. In short, the perfect entertainment … heckle them I dare you. A must-see for clown lovers and haters alike!”
Heather Watson – Critic, Vancouver Fringe Festival - 2003 |
