The term “Melodrama” refers to a dramatic work that exaggerates plot and characters in order to appeal to the emotions.
Melodrama teaches the rhythmic play of opposites, a clear rhythm and space awareness, sensitive and emotional exchange and contact with the audience through an immense joy and playfulness.
The melodrama is since the 18th century the counterpart to the popular aristocratic tragedy. The hero´s of melodrama are not unlike in tragedy the nobles who are here more the bad guys. In contrast to the tragedy, the melodrama every now and then can have a happy end.
Melodrama is the theatre of the common people, it is the theatre for the audience in the cheap seats at the last gallery of the theatre.
We imagine to hear angry shouts from the upper echelons, the crowd thunders vehemently against unjust actions from upper class characters to characters from the common people.
The melodramatic actor plays with charm, grace and panache.
It is not the interpretation of the character that makes the actor great; ease, pleasure and playfulness make the difference.
The actor has fun with noisy walking, with slamming doors, or leaving the stage shouting. He never causes real revolt. He amuses himself that much and his enthusiasm and playfulness is that big, that it overshadows the noise of the slamming doors…
Existential problems such as death, separation, hunger, fear and love are classic themes of melodrama.
This workshop is based on improvisation at first. Than we get deeper into the subject through a work on text passages, songs and music.
Movement
For me, acting starts with the body. Every day´s lesson starts with a group and movement training of 1,5 hours. The work is specially designed for the following acting class and is an indispensable part of the workshop. Elements of acrobatics- partner and single (everybody, no matter which age or size, can do it, because I work with everybody´s personal needs and limits), awareness-training, energetic dance, stretching- and relaxation exercises, group work, Pilates, Shiatsu and Feldenkrais are part of this training.