LED BY NICOLAS WITTE

In this basic 3-day workshop, we will discover the masks of Familie Flöz. The aim of this course is to develop a basic sense of what it takes to play with masks and how to convey a lot through mask play without using words. What does it take to breathe life into a fixed form - the mask? The basic elements of mask acting: Through the mask we discover a state of physical presence and experience how the mask is brought to life through movement, emotions, posture, levels of tension and breathing and how a new, independent and unique character can slowly form. The actors become inventors, authors and players of their newly created characters. Through their physical and playful imagination, they explore and develop mask play. With simple improvisations and short predetermined situations, we explore the connection between the mask, interaction with fellow actors and the audience. The mask is always our starting point for initial encounters and the stories that emerge from them.

LED BY FABIAN BAUMGARTEN

Our work thrives on the high, lively and liberated playful energy of our masked actors. In this 3-day workshop, we will focus on this aspect of our work. Building on the themes from “Encounter with the Mask”, this workshop will go one step further and dive deeper into mask play. We will touch briefly on the technical basics of mask play and continue to work extensively in the mask looking for ways to play freely with it. The resulting play material will be solidified and taken further. Where does the analytical, technical idea end and the real experience of the players begin? – through defined scenes, sequences and clear character approaches which help us get out of our heads and into our bodies. The mask challenges our usual performing patterns and gives us the opportunity to discover unknown  forces within ourselves.

This workshop is primarily aimed at people who perform on stage. Previous experience with masks or the work of FLÖZ is helpful.