Fools In Progress Theatre Company brings the dynamic world of Commedia dell’Arte to Australia, blending tradition with innovation.
In a dimly lit rehearsal space, a troupe of actors donned leather masks, their exaggerated gestures filling the room with zany energy and laughter. They were not just practicing lines, they were engaging in a centuries-old tradition of Commedia dell’Arte, a form of theatre that first emerged in 16th-century Italy. What set these performers apart, however, was not just their dedication to preserving this ancient art form but their mission to bring it into the 21st century, with a distinct focus on innovation. This was a pivotal moment for Fools In Progress Theatre Company, an organization that has redefined the genre and created a unique blend of education, performance, and innovation.
A Passion for Commedia Dell’Arte
Founded in 2006, Fools In Progress Theatre Company joined a global effort to revive Commedia dell’Arte, a theatrical tradition characterized by masked characters, physical comedy, improvisation, and highly stylized performances that was almost lost to history. The company was created and run by Bianca Bonino for 15 years. Then, after her well earned retirement she left the company to Ben-Jamin Newham who had performed with the company for 10 years and served as co-owner for the last 3 years. Ben-Jamin became the youngest Artistic Director of a professional theatre company in the country and is a young talent to watch as he is finding new and exciting ways to grow Fools In Progress Theatre Company and to share Commedia dell’arte with the world, making it more relevant and more needed today than perhaps ever.
“Our mission has always been to show that Commedia is not a relic or training mechanism of the past but a vibrant, thriving art and style of theatre that has the ability to engage people today,” says Newham. He continues, “The energy, humor, and character-driven performances of Commedia make it one of the most dynamic and challenging forms of theatre. It requires improvisation, acrobatics and physical characterisation not to mention general fitness, vocal skill, and general acting, improvisation and comedic skills, all traits that are crucial for all actors to learn.”
Overcoming Challenges and Pushing Boundaries
From the very beginning, Fools In Progress faced the challenge of bringing an ancient, “niche” theatre form to modern Australian audiences. While Commedia dell’Arte has roots in Italy, it was a foreign concept in a country where sport is passed off as “culture” “people think they have never seen Commedia dell’arte before until we point out that The Simpsons and Modern Family are both practically Commedia dell’arte!” insists The ambitious, young thespian- pointing out that at the heart of their success was their ability to connect the historical to the contemporary. “We’ve always known that Commedia’s charm is in its relatability,” Newham reflects. “The themes, love, rivalry, and humor, are universal. We adapt the performance style to fit the modern world, incorporating popular culture references like jokes about bitcoin (after Arlecchino bites a coin to check its real he proclaims he now has a bitcoin! – for example.) This stays true to the tradition by not modernising the style whilst at the same time finding modern references and clever ways to relate modern audiences to the masks, stock characters, and physicality of Commedia.”
In addition to their live performances, Fools In Progress has expanded its reach with educational workshops for schools, theatre students, and even corporations, emphasizing the universal skills developed through the art form: collaboration, adaptability, and creativity. The company’s performances are often described as “extreme theatre sports” due to their emphasis on improvisation and rapid-paced, physical storytelling.
A Breakthrough Moment: The Commedia Sitcom
While the company’s performances continue to draw attention, it is their latest project, a cartoon Commedia sitcom, that is setting them apart. After years of refining their performances and building a loyal following, Fools In Progress is currently developing a Commedia dell’arte cartoon sitcom that brings this ancient art form to modern-day audiences in a whole new yet, classic format.
The sitcom, which they say has been in development for almost 500 years, represents a revolutionary fusion of tradition and innovation. It will offer viewers a comedic glimpse into the world of Commedia dell’Arte, translating the energy and physicality of live performance into an animated format. For Newham, the sitcom represents the next logical step in their mission to keep Commedia alive and relevant.
“We wanted to create something that could introduce a new generation to Commedia in a way that feels fresh and exciting,” says Newham. “The sitcom will not only bring laughter to all ages but stand as a demonstration of the art form in a digestible way for television.”
What Makes Fools In Progress Unique?
At the heart of Fools In Progress lies a deep commitment to education and collaboration. The company has not only entertained audiences across Australia but has also trained over a hundred thousand school children in the techniques of Commedia. Their workshops, which emphasize the development of key life skills like communication, teamwork, and creativity, are highly regarded by educators across the country.
“ theatre is such a great tool for building confidence, quick thinking, and adaptability,” says Newham. “These are skills that go beyond the stage and can be applied in any field, from business to the arts.”
Like many theatre companies, Fools In Progress has also built strong friendships with other international Commedia troupes, such as Faction of Fools in Washington, D.C., and Pazzi Lazzi in New York City. Their focus on international collaboration and spreading awareness of the Commedia style has made them recognised leaders in the global Commedia dell’Arte movement.
“We’re proud of the community being built. It’s not about competing, it’s about working together to bring attention to an art form that nearly faded away,” Newham says. “Through initiatives like International Commedia dell’Arte Day, we’re celebrating and preserving this remarkable style of theatre that has influenced everything from Shakespeare to modern sitcoms.”
Looking to the Future
As Fools In Progress Theatre Company enters its 20th year, the future looks brighter than ever. With a new sitcom on the horizon, continued educational initiatives, and a growing international presence, they are poised to continue their mission of bringing the best of Commedia dell’Arte to audiences worldwide.
“We are just getting started,” Newham says with a smile. “The future is about continuing to evolve, while staying true to our roots. Whether it’s through a live show or an animated series, we want to make sure Commedia dell’Arte remains alive and well in the 21st century.”
Get Involved
If you’re interested in exploring or supporting the world of Commedia dell’Arte and experiencing the magic of Fools In Progress, visit their website. You can also follow them on social media for updates on their latest performances, workshops, and projects:
Discover why Fools In Progress is leading the charge in bringing Commedia dell’Arte to modern-day audiences in a way that’s both entertaining and educational. Engage with the theatre company and experience a performance that celebrates history while embracing the future and laughing along the way!
