Published: 04/04/2019
Programmes Manager Rachel Sears chats with Fergus Aitken about his upcoming Masterclass at The Court Theatre. 
Workshop leader Fergus Aitken has over three decades experience in over a dozen countries world-wide. An international award-winning entertainer, he has performed in Russia, England, Ireland, Scotland, Netherlands, Fiji and Australia.
Rachel: What do you love about teaching?
Fergus: I really enjoy 'seeing the light come on' for people, whether they're just breaking through resistance and enjoying being playful, or discovering that techniques are more accessible than they'd realised. Teaching is a privilege, because the work resonates in different ways to different participants!
Rachel: Who is this workshop for?
Fergus: Anyone with an interest in developing movement awareness, who wants to find some fun new ways to play theatrically. Many people have truly enjoyed the workshop in recent years, from total beginners to amateur and professional performers at various levels and many genres: actors, dancers, improvisers, comedians, circus artists, musicians, etc.
Rachel: What should people expect from attending this workshop?
Fergus: To find some new challenges and discoveries, including in physical movement, spatial awareness, improvising with other people. There is always a mix of learning and FUN.
Rachel: Tell us about your favourite performance experience?
Fergus: In over 35 years since I started, that is a huge question, I really do need to write the book! Numerous examples do come to mind... street shows in London's Covent Garden, Edinburgh Fringe and the Christchurch Arts Centre... playing my character MR FUNGUS to a few thousand every night as pre-show entertainment for the World of Wearable Art Show (WOW), was a LOT of fun. Letting people believe I was an usher and taking them for a ridiculous journey 'looking for their seat' was soo silly. One time there was a woman with a huge feather in her hat and I managed to position myself behind her and get facially feathered for at least 3 or more minutes. The crowd reactions were huge.
Rachel: What piece of mime or movement has inspired you the most?
Fergus: Another big question! Have seen so many brilliant shows: anything by James Thieree; Slava's Snowshow; Theatre du Complicite... on the home front, The Loons theatre company and The Conch.
To book a place on this Masterclass or learn more visit the page below.
https://courteducation.org.nz/emerging-professionals/master-classes/