The Enduring Influence of Philippe Gaulier: A Master of Playfulness and Presence
Philippe Gaulier, the revered clown guru and mentor to countless theatre and comedy luminaries, has passed away at the age of 82. His profound impact on the performing arts extends far beyond traditional clowning, offering lessons in embracing the ridiculous that resonate both on stage and in everyday life.
A Trio of Educational Paths in Theatre
For aspiring theatre-makers in the late 20th century, three primary educational routes were widely recognized. Those seeking a conventional, text-focused approach typically pursued drama school in the UK. For artists interested in physical theatre, the École Jacques Lecoq in Paris was the destination. However, for performers desiring to engage with their whole heart, shared innocence, and transcendent idiocy, the École Philippe Gaulier stood as the premier choice.
This was the path taken by many, including the author's colleague Alex Murdoch, who returned from Gaulier's school with a wealth of teachings that shaped their collaborative theatre work for nearly two decades. Gaulier's methods, while rooted in clowning, encompassed much more, emphasizing a holistic approach to performance and presence.
From Theatre Training to Comedy Revolution
Initially, few anticipated that Gaulier would become a more prominent figure in comedy than in theatre training, a development that reportedly dismayed the master himself. In a decade-old interview, Gaulier expressed his disdain for stand-up comedy, stating, "I hate standup comedy. I would never teach something so horrible." Despite this, he never instructed in stand-up specifically.
Nevertheless, Gaulier imparted essential skills that significantly enhanced the abilities of stand-up comedians, sketch artists, and clowns alike. His teachings focused on:
- Playfulness and alertness to an audience
- Being vividly alive in the moment
- Celebrating one's own ridiculousness
In his later years, the label "Gaulier-trained" became a coveted credential for numerous comic acts, particularly those involved in the innovative clown-comedy boom that has energized the performance circuit in recent times.
A Star-Studded Roster of Students and Disciples
Gaulier's influence is evident in the long and illustrious list of his students and acolytes. Among them are:
- Sacha Baron Cohen, who hailed Gaulier as "the funniest man I have ever met"
- Emma Thompson and Helena Bonham Carter
- Roberto Benigni, the acclaimed Italian actor and director
More contemporary figures include Phil Burgers, a pioneer of nu-clown, alongside breakout acts such as Julia Masli, Damian Warren-Smith of the West End hit Garry Starr: Classic Penguins, and Viggo Venn, winner of Britain's Got Talent.
Philosophies That Transcend the Stage
Gaulier's philosophies have had an immeasurably joyful impact on the intersection of comedy and theatre, fostering a generation of performers who are not merely aspiring television personalities or panel show participants. Instead, these artists create work that is daring and dynamic, engaging in open dialogue with live audiences and radiating a sense of delinquent pleasure simply from being on stage.
Like many great pedagogies, Gaulier's teachings serve as instructions for life as much as for performance. Central to his approach were the principles of pleasure and a lack of self-seriousness. He posited that we are all inherently ridiculous and encouraged his students to cease hiding this fact. Instead, he urged them to delight in their idiosyncrasies, as these unique traits could make them captivating both on and off the stage.
Gaulier emphasized the privilege of having an audience's attention, warning against squandering it through tedium or predictability. Former students often report being haunted by his distinctive, croaky French-accented voice in their minds, chastising them with phrases like, "This ees boring. Eet ees so shit!" should they ever falter.
Applications in Serious Theatre and Beyond
It is important to note that Gaulier-trained skills are not confined to comedy alone. His graduates also include acclaimed dramatic actors such as Kathryn Hunter, Rachel Weisz, and Oscar-winner Geoffrey Rush. Even in serious roles, the best performers can infuse their work with a sense of privilege and pleasure, recognizing that acting is, at its core, a form of play.
Gaulier never lost sight of the idea that both life and theatre constitute a grand game. For teaching countless individuals to engage with this game more joyfully and authentically, he will be remembered with deep affection and respect. His legacy endures in the vibrant, playful, and profoundly human performances that continue to grace stages worldwide.
