This Workshop Is An Opportunity To Dive Deep Into The Different Structures And Clarify Everything By Seeing The Evolution Of Each Of Them.
The Structures of the Four Classic Duos – Rediscover the diversity and depth of the four different relationships between clown partners.
The Siamese Twins, Complicity, Competition, and Hierarchy – along with all the various possibilities for interactions between clowns, take us on a deep exploration of their potential. By creating great scenes, we clarify the roles of clowns and their objectives. For a clown, each of these relationships is analogous to the foundations of musical compositions. Learning their structures and “rules” provides the freedom to perform with confidence and share a universal language so that each performer can find the best environment for their clown.
These structures can be compared to primary colors which, once combined, offer a wide range of options, allowing us to improvise or create pieces that are powerful, clear, and easily understood by all audiences. As simple as these structures may seem, just one or two mistakes can make everything unclear.
The Siamese Twins
This structure is based on imitation. It is the first relationship and the most primitive. Because of this, it has an almost hypnotic effect. It triggers deep reactions in both performers and the audience, affecting not only their thoughts but also their bodies. Individuality does not exist here—only the pursuit of truly merging with one’s partner. This is the best way to observe the true relationship between clowns, because the harder they try to be identical, the more their differences stand out.
Complicity
Complicity offers paradise in relationships. The clowns are different, but there is no conflict between them—just like in paradise. It is a constant state of saying “yes,” fully embracing curiosity and exploring the world together. Conflict does not exist within their relationship but rather between the clowns and the world around them. Imagination is highly intense in this relationship, as is the ability to follow impulses.
Competition
Competition marks the beginning of conflict in the relationship when the clowns are not too different in their social status, leading to a seesaw dynamic where they want different things, often in opposition. This is a wonderful structure that allows each performer to find their individuality and uniqueness while embracing their own voice, desires, and needs.
Hierarchy
Hierarchy is the most complex and sophisticated structure. In reality, it is an entire family of structures with its own rules, as it can manifest in various combinations. Examples include Clown White and Auguste (and Contra-Auguste), Master and Servant, Teacher and Student, Fast and Slow, and more. These relationships can be found in multiple surprising and intricate forms.
The first rule is that there is conflict in the relationship, and the clowns are not equals. They exist in different worlds and have completely different understandings of those worlds and of each other. By understanding the rules of the hierarchy being played, performers can be more conscious of what they are creating and remain true to it—expanding their artistic expression instead of weakening it with inconsistent or contradictory information.
