The Enduring Legacy of Philippe Gaulier: How Clown and ‘Le Jeu’ Continue to Shape Theatre
The recent passing of master clown and theatre guru Philippe Gaulier at age 82 marks the end of an era, but his influence, particularly in Aotearoa New Zealand, is set to reverberate through the performing arts for decades to come. Gaulier’s techniques, rooted in the teachings of Jacques Lecoq, have fostered a unique style of inventive and resilient theatre, especially within New Zealand’s dramatic landscape.
From École Jacques Lecoq to Aotearoa New Zealand
Gaulier’s journey began at the École Internationale de Théâtre Jacques Lecoq in Paris, founded in 1956. Lecoq’s training emphasized masks, mime and clowning – foundational elements that Gaulier would later refine and expand upon. After teaching alongside Lecoq in the 1970s, Gaulier established his own school in London in 1991, later relocating to France in 2002. His school became known for its accessible, modular teaching style, attracting actors from around the globe.
The impact of Lecoq’s, and subsequently Gaulier’s, methods reached New Zealand through figures like Nola Millar, the first director of Toi Whakaari New Zealand Drama School in 1970. Millar considered École Jacques Lecoq among the best theatre schools globally. This early recognition paved the way for a sustained influence, with several Gaulier graduates becoming educators at Toi Whakaari, including Tom McCrory, Christian Penny, and Nina Nawalowalo.
‘Le Jeu’ and the Power of Play
Central to Gaulier’s approach is Le Jeu (the game), a concept focused on fostering playfulness and encouraging actors to embrace spontaneity. Alongside Le Jeu, he emphasized complicité – the sense of collaboration and shared intention between performers and audience. This isn’t simply about connection; it’s about a deliberate “collusion” to create a shared experience.
David O’Donnell, a theatre director, actor, and academic, highlights how this emphasis on complicité cultivates a deep connection between actors onstage, discouraging self-indulgence and demanding constant engagement with audience response. The training, he notes, rigorously develops imagination, rhythm control, and onstage relaxation.
New Zealand Theatre Companies Embracing the Gaulier Style
The influence of Gaulier extends beyond Toi Whakaari, permeating various New Zealand theatre companies. Theatre Action (1971–77), founded by Lecoq graduates, established a strong foundation for French clown influence early on.
Massive Theatre Company, founded by Samantha Scott (who studied with Gaulier in 2012-14), exemplifies this continued legacy. Scott observed that New Zealanders are drawn to Gaulier’s methods, and he, in turn, appreciates their “gutsiness.” Massive consistently utilizes Gaulier’s techniques, particularly Le Jeu, prioritizing the joy and pleasure of performance.
A Slightly Isolated Dog, formed in 2005, further extends the concept of complicité by actively involving the audience in their performances. While director Leo Gene Peters wasn’t directly trained by Gaulier, he collaborates with those who were, including Jonathan Price, who studied with Gaulier in 2016. Their shows, inspired by classic stories and presented through the lens of a French theatre troupe, invite audiences into a playful and collaborative experience.
The Future of Gaulier’s Techniques
Gaulier’s emphasis on resilience, independence, and the power of play seems particularly relevant in contemporary theatre. The demand for immersive and interactive experiences suggests a growing appetite for the kind of complicité he championed. As theatre continues to evolve, the principles of Le Jeu – embracing risk, responding to the moment, and prioritizing connection – are likely to become increasingly valuable.
The accessibility of Gaulier’s modular teaching style, even after his passing, ensures his methods will continue to be disseminated globally. Online resources and workshops led by his former students will likely expand, reaching a wider audience and fostering a new generation of performers inspired by his work.
FAQ
What is Le Jeu? Le Jeu, or “the game,” is a core concept in Gaulier’s teaching, focusing on playfulness, spontaneity, and embracing risk in performance.
What is complicité in theatre? Complicité refers to the deliberate collaboration and shared intention between performers and the audience to create a shared experience.
Where did Philippe Gaulier train? Gaulier trained at the École Internationale de Théâtre Jacques Lecoq in Paris.
How did Gaulier influence New Zealand theatre? Gaulier’s techniques were brought to New Zealand through educators and graduates who attended his school and Toi Whakaari, shaping the country’s dramatic landscape.
Did you realize? Samantha Scott recalls Gaulier asking her why so many New Zealanders attended his school, to which she replied it was as actors had worked with his graduates and wanted to experience his teachings firsthand.
Pro Tip: Explore the work of Massive Theatre Company and A Slightly Isolated Dog to see Gaulier’s principles in action.
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