I’m really happy you’ve joined me. I hope this will be an exciting, inspiring, and stimulating journey.
Through this newsletter, I want to share insights, tips, and stories about the art of physical expression—not just in performance but as something fundamental to being human.
Sometimes, I’ll talk about performance, especially Commedia dell’Arte and Physical Theatre. Other times, I’ll simply share reflections on movement as a key part of living a healthy, full (and fun) life.
Why movement matters?
Movement is a big part of our well-being and enjoyment of life. We’re made to walk, run, swim, jump, dance, touch — move in whatever way we want and can. No matter our abilities, age, or physical condition, we’re all moving beings...And by the way—moving your eyes or your lips? That’s movement, too!
My passion is helping performers and non-performers alike unlock their expressive potential through all kinds of movement-based approaches and techniques.
I believe that movement is at the heart of storytelling. From the bold highly stylised gestures of Commedia dell’Arte to the small, everyday things we do without thinking, our bodies tell stories all the time.
This deep connection between movement and storytelling is not only at the heart of Commedia dell’Arte but also central to a wide range of performances—from popular theatre to contemporary devised work.
I’ve chosen to start my newsletter today—because it’s International Commedia dell’Arte Day. Officially observed on February 25 each year, this day honours Commedia dell’Arte. In celebrating it, I'm also recognising something bigger: the power of the body, the corporeal, and the richness of movement in performance.
Why this date, you may ask?
Well, because on February 25, 1545, eight performers in Padua signed a contract, committing to travel and perform together for a year. This is the earliest formal documentation of a Commedia dell’Arte troupe. However, this doesn’t mean it marks the birth of Commedia dell’Arte, nor was it the first troupe to exist. It simply means that this is the first written record we have, and so, somewhat arbitrarily, we have chosen this date to celebrate Commedia’s origins. In fact, this was certainly not the first professional acting company in the region—there is evidence of several others performing professionally well before 1545.
If you’d like to read more about Commedia dell’Arte, you’ll find a short introductory article to read:
or download:
What Is Commedia dell'Arte? A brief Intro
In upcoming newsletters, I’ll share more articles, practical activities and updates on upcoming workshops.
Let’s celebrate the art of movement together!
All the best,
