Imported from ziquer.com — Serafín Ziquer Xavier

I studied at The Commedia School – The Art of Mime and Comedy, before the name was changed to simply The Commedia School. The school, founded by Ole Brekke (Director & Teacher), strictly followed the teaching principles and methods of Jacques Lecoq, a renowned French stage actor, acting movement coach, and theatre director. Jacques Lecoq is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in physical theatre, known for incorporating movement into acting.Born in Paris in 1921, Lecoq attended the Paris Conservatoire and later joined the Open Theatre Company, where he developed his own training program. His work delved into mime, masks, clowning, and physical theatre, enabling actors to express emotions through movements and gestures. Lecoq's innovative research revolutionized actor training, emphasizing a holistic approach that activated physical memory and taught performers how to convey stories through body language and subtle gestures. He believed that movement was as crucial as understanding the text, encouraging actors to explore the depths of their characters to access their emotions.As an esteemed educator, Lecoq's impact on aspiring actors was significant. He established the Ecole Internationale de Théâtre Jacques Lecoq, a school dedicated to training future performers in his unique theatrical technique. Notably, Lecoq was recognized as the only notable movement instructor and theatre pedagogue of the twentieth century with a professional background in sports and sports rehabilitation.Lecoq's approach never advocated for aspiring actors to become mimes and restrict themselves to one style. Mime, often disregarded by students after leaving the school, is actually a means of embodying and understanding better. Lecoq believed that miming allowed individuals to rediscover the meaning, weight, and volume of objects, similar to how a person handling bricks all day long rediscovers their significance when asked to mime them. This perspective had interesting implications for his teaching method, as miming became a way of revitalizing the understanding of things with renewed freshness.In summary, Jacques Lecoq's legacy as an influential figure in physical theatre and his unique approach to actor training continue to shape the world of performing arts today.

I studied Etienne Decroux's technique and post-modern mime under the guidance of Stephen James Back. Although Stephen was no longer teaching at The Commedia School when I arrived, I was fortunate to find him still available in Copenhagen during my time there. After regular classes, I pursued further studies and training in the evenings, in a small, somewhat grimy basement located on Istedgade in Vesterbro.During my four-year apprenticeship, I immersed myself in learning Corporeal Mime, which allowed me to explore the expressive possibilities of the human body. This involved combining physical performance with theoretical analysis, delving into the historical and cultural context of corporeal mime. I focused on understanding the relationship between the actor, the audience, and the physical space, unlocking the potential of non-verbal communication.Stephen's teaching drew from a diverse range of disciplines, including anthropology, linguistics, theatre, film, and visual arts. He incorporated both modern and traditional mime techniques into his instruction. Through my studies, I developed skills in both solo and ensemble performance, deepening my knowledge of the history, theory, and practice of this dynamic art form. Equipped with these skills and understanding, I gained the ability to create ambitious and meaningful performance works.My passion for mime persists, and I continue my study through reading books, observing movements, studying art, and exploring animation. These ongoing pursuits further enrich my appreciation and mastery of this captivating art form.

ÉTIENNE DECROUX The Mastermind behind Corporeal Mime.
Étienne Decroux, a visionary artist, embarked on a remarkable journey when he joined Jacques Copeau's esteemed institution, l'école du Vieux Colombier, at the tender age of 26. It was within these hallowed walls that the seeds of a groundbreaking concept took root in his mind—an art form that would transcend traditional boundaries and find its expression through the graceful movement of the human body. This revelation ignited a passion within him that would shape the course of his entire existence: the birth of Corporeal Mime.From 1926 to 1945, Decroux's career as an actor flourished, as he collaborated with renowned directors such as Copeau, Jouvet, Dullin, Artaud, Carné, and many others. He graced both the stage and the silver screen, effortlessly breathing life into a multitude of theatrical and cinematic characters. However, the desire to revolutionize the world of theater burned brightly within him.In the year 1940, Decroux took a bold step towards his vision and established his own mime school, followed by the creation of his own company in 1941. From that moment onward, he became an unstoppable force of creativity, ceaselessly crafting new works and sharing the profound insights gleaned from his tireless research.In a momentous decision in 1946, Decroux chose to bid farewell to his acting career, dedicating himself wholly to the art of mime. Driven by an unwavering determination to bring his craft to the forefront, he embarked on a global tour, leaving an indelible mark on audiences around the world.Decroux's influence transcended boundaries and generations, leaving an indelible impact on artists from diverse disciplines, including theater, dance, circus, and beyond. His research and creations continue to resonate, shaping the artistic landscape for years to come.It is worth noting that Decroux's ingenuity extended beyond the realms of mime itself. He is regarded as the trailblazer who laid the foundation for the iconic "Moonwalk," a dance move that took the world by storm, thanks to the legendary Michael Jackson.Étienne Decroux, a true pioneer, forever etched his name in the annals of artistic history, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and captivate the hearts and minds of countless individuals.

Etienne Decroux's Corporeal Mime: Redefining the Art of Theater Etienne Decroux embarked on a remarkable journey, forging a new path in mime by placing the body at the very core of his art. His vision was to reshape the future of theater, reimagining its profile and form. This endeavor was an ambitious utopian project, yet by the end of his life, Decroux had achieved the remarkable feat of giving his art a precise technique. The foundations of this technique were rooted in corporeal articulation, rhythm, interpretation, and counterweights, forming a physical dramaturgy that tapped into the essence of human theatricality. Thus, he developed the only physical theatrical technique in Western theater, an accomplishment that often goes unnoticed but has profoundly influenced contemporary gestural theater. In today's artistic landscape, where there is a resurgence of exploration at the intersection of dance, theater, puppetry, and circus, Decroux's technique stands as an indispensable tool for any artist, be it an actor or a dancer, seeking to unlock their full physical potential on stage. Decroux's school of movement not only imparts a physical technique but also fosters a deep reflection on this innovative and revolutionary approach. By transcending the superficial and superficial, he propelled his art towards universality, where the human body in motion becomes a vessel for expressing essential human drama. These aesthetic choices, far from being mere aesthetics, empower students to freely assimilate this technique into their physical performances, allowing their theatricality of movement to remain in sync with the times and aligned with their individual artistic aspirations. Decroux's legacy extends beyond technique; it embraces a philosophy that encourages artistic growth and self-expression. Decroux, a visionary ahead of his time, laid the groundwork for a profound understanding of the body's potential in theater. His teachings continue to shape the artistic landscape, offering a transformative approach that resonates with performers seeking to push boundaries and explore new dimensions of their craft.

Other Educations

GameDev.tv (Ongoing Eduction.)
Complete Blender Creator, Unity & Unreal Engine.

Tom Bancroft.
Introduction to Animation & Drawing Character Poses with Personality.

Tony White, Mastering 2D Animation.

RumKraft.
Producer & Sound Design Course in Logic Studio Pro.

Andreas Busk.
Sound Design.

Akademiet For Utæmmet KreativitetAcrobatics, where I also started to incorporate Corporeal Mime, Character and dance to create my own unique style of performing.

The Commedia School- The Art Of Mime And Comedy.

One year Classic Theater Education in Forsa, Sweden.
The education included basic theatre training, script study, Shakespeare, performing classical dramatic work.

Forum Theater pedagog.
One year Education to become a Forum Theatre Pedagog and create Forum Theatre.
The Education included creating performances and touring for schools around Sweden.

Multimeia Art School.
I studied in a half year based multimedia art school in Dalsland, Sweden.
Where I grew interest in photografy, film, writing and drawing. The education ended with an student exhibition contest, where I won first prize.