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16 May 2011 |
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Had a grand time at the Belfast Festival of Fools! We played both the trap and monkey bizness We've been to this festival a few times. The people are always up for a bit of craic and this year's festival was blessed with four days of clear skies and sunshine! It was nice to see the organizer, Will Chamberlain, not have to stress out about how to organize an indoor venue in case of rain (in all these years, I've never seen him so relaxed. He was so happy he decided to challenge another artist to a running race around the bar. Best ask him about that one). It was also nice to see how the festival has grown and helped to nurture the community there, especially the young people. It is such a positive force in the community (especially one with Belfast's history). This is an example of how dedicated and long term arts funding can have a big impact. The rest of the world take note. Long may the Community Circus bring laughter and support to the people of Northern Ireland. |
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Finally made it to the Aire Aire festival in the Basque region. For gigs in Spain when we couldn't fly, we used to take the expensively toll-filled and endless drive through France (fine if you can stop for a few days but if you need to get to a gig ... ouch). After moving to England we discoverd the ferry: it leaves from Portsmouth or Plymouth (an hour drive from our house) and gets to Santander on the west coast of Spain, the next day. Food is decent, the rooms are clean and if I have a gig in that region, I drive less than a few hours! Highly recommended. Buen viaje! |
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"Flying is learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss." - Douglas Adams |
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Well it's official: in October I will be the associate director of Clown Studies at the Circus Center in San Francisco, California. It’s located across the street from Golden Gate Park in one of the hippest cities in the world, run by founders of the Pickle Family Circus and boasting a highly-skilled and experienced group of artists teaching the circus aspect of the program - Chinese, Russian, French, Canadian and American. The facility is rigged for aerial work, pole, gymnastics and most circus-related skills. The Clown faculty will consist of myself and a number of respected Bay Area teachers as well as invited guest artists.
The school is currently taking applications. They only accept 15 students so if you’re interested contact them soon!
I am looking forward to working with a group of Clowns for such an extended period! It’s an opprtunity to explore the Clown in-depth, incorporating circus, bufon, mask, slapstick and anarchy. If you know of anyone interested, please give them my email: info@nakupelle.com or have them contact the Circus Center.