From Chaos to Comedy – An Artistic Method Between Wild Forces and Vulnerability
Our method combines physical theater, improvisation, and status play to explore the balance between control and chaos, strength and fragility. In a safe and playful space, we work on transforming aggression and instinctive impulses into creative energy—often using humor as a pathway to deeper artistic expression.
Method: From Body to Awareness
We use the body as a tool for awareness through physical exercises, improvisation, and the status dynamics of the clown. The White Clown and Augustine mirror our own behavioral patterns—authority versus impulse, control versus loss of control. In this tension, a unique vulnerability emerges, allowing us to meet ourselves honestly—and hopefully, laugh at ourselves along the way.
Exploring intense emotions can be challenging, especially in interaction with others. That’s why our work is built on care, sensitivity, and a compassionate approach, encouraging participants to open up, challenge their mental and physical blocks, and discover new ways to be present and connect.
From Clumsiness to Clarity – A Journey Toward Presence and Authenticity
The process moves from the familiar to the abstract, in a continuous flow between the comedic, the poetic, and the sensory. Humor becomes a gateway to depth, allowing us to engage with difficult emotions without pushing them away. By embracing both wildness and vulnerability, a more direct and intuitive stage language emerges—one that speaks to the body rather than the intellect.
Our method is centered around creating a safe, experimental space, where through the body and senses, we can discover new aspects of ourselves—and create art that is alive, human, and deeply connected.
The masterclass is part of the International Norwegian ASSITEJ Festival titled "Are You Kidding Me?" exploring humour in performing arts for young audiences. The festival is arranged by ASSITEJ Norway in collaboration with Riksteatret between 6-10th of May 2025.
Don Gnu will also present a double bill with their performances M.I.S. (Men in sandals) - All Night Long and K.I.S.S. (Women i socks and sandals). With a festival pass you can see the performances and join the masterclass for the full Don Gnu experience!
We're also arranging two more masterclasses with the Swedish dance company TuBO & Co and Det Andre Teatret. For more information about the festival you can visit www.assitej.no/inaf25