Meta-Physical Theater, visits Port Colborne High School teacher Amy Converset's Grade 10 acting class for a workshop in Commedia dell'arte.
PORT COLBORNE - Put on a mask and dive deeper into characterization.
That was the message of the day at a workshop held for Amy Converset’s Grade 10 students at Port Colborne High School.
Converset, who has been teaching drama for 12 years, is currently teaching the history of Commedia dell’arte, a form of comical theatre that arose in Italy in the 16th century.
It’s also known as the early stages of slapstick comedy. In the plays, performers wear masks, and each one portrays a stock character with a different persona. These personalities can even be traced to modern theatres, and media characters.
Converset invited David Langlois of Meta-Physical Theatre to lead her class in a workshop to better understand the art form.
Langlois brought to life the spirit of the play and the characters, said Converset.
“He’s the first person I go to to give a hands-on approach to what’s been taught.”
Students eagerly wore masks and acted scenes as the associated character, from the fun-loving to the old and decrepit, with enthusiasm and enjoyment.
“My goal is to get everyone involved and have fun,” said Converset.
She hopes that by doing so will make her students feel more comfortable in front of a crowd and on stage.
The students have proven to be very dedicated, she said.
“They are often spending their lunch breaks rehearsing lines for plays or other drama projects.”
Langlois gave a spirited demonstration of the art form with easy to follow instructions for students to act scenes out with ease.
Be willing to stand out, Langlois told the class.
“Just think, ‘I don’t care what others think of me, I’m just going to do it.’”
Langlois expressed his enjoyment at leading workshops.
“I love the challenge of overcoming shyness,” he said. “And I love to see after they embrace it (acting).”
Langlois founded The Meta-physical Theatre in 1987 and specializes in physical theatre art forms. The group has performed in schools and festivals around the world.
Shane Leonard is a journalism student from Niagara College on co-op placement at The Tribune.