Head against the wall - discovering Slapstick

08.-10. November 2024
Studio Flöz, Lehderstr. 39-41, 13086 Berlin
led by Andres Angulo

From Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton to the Marx Brothers and Laurel and Hardy, slapstick is a form of visual and physical comedy. Characterised by accidents, clumsy situations, and absurd actions, slapstick demands precise performance, where timing and perfect execution are crucial. Slapstick has roots in early theatrical traditions, such as the Greek and Romain plays of old or in the famous Italian Commedia dell'Arte, which featured exaggerated characters and physical comedy. In the early 20th century slapstick became very popular during the silent film era. Familie Flöz draws on this rich heritage of slapstick in their productions. Slapstick is a fundamental element in our storytelling, present in both the characters and the situations they find themselves in. Through physical comedy and the mask, we can create narratives that are not only entertaining but also deeply engaging and universally understandable, transcending language barriers. Familie Flöz invites you to dive headfirst into the world of slapstick. In this workshop we will spend three days tripping, punching, bumping, crashing, slipping, falling down, knocking and running into walls.

This workshop demands an active level of physical engagement. Participants should be able to perform dynamic movements such as running, jumping, and responding swiftly to various scenarios. To ensure full participation, it is essential that you have the physical ability to move quickly and handle the physical challenges of the workshop.

Fee: 300 € 
Venue: Studio Flöz, Lehderstr. 39-41, 13086 Berlin
Info and application: info@floez.net

Schedule
Friday, 08 November: 10am - 5pm (with 1h break)
Saturday, 09 November: 10am - 5pm (with 1h break)
Sunday, 10 November 10am - 5pm (with 1h break)

Encounter with the Mask

17-19 January 2025
Fee: 300 €
Venue: Studio Flöz, Lehderstr. 39-41, 13086 Berlin

Schedule: Friday 2pm - 6pm, Sat/Sun 10 am - 5 pm (with 1h break
)
Info and application: info@floez.net

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 creators, writers and performer of their 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.

Playfulness

14 - 16 March 2025
Fee: 300,00€
Venue: Studio Flöz, Lehderstr. 39-41, 13086 Berlin

Schedule: Friday 2pm - 6pm, Sat/Sun 10 am - 5 pm (with 1h break
)
Info and application: info@floez.net

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 play patterns and gives us the opportunity to discover unknown play forces within ourselves. This workshop is primarily aimed at people who perform on stage. Previous experience with masks or the work of the FF is helpful.