PASCHAL CLOWN

                  WORKSHOP RETREAT                                     

              Easter's universal themes -learning from and releasing the old

                                   in order to wake up to the majesty of life,

      through a unique blend of play, clowning, meditation and voice work.

Wednesday 28 March – Sunday 1 April 2012

At Purley Chase Centre, Mancetter, near Atherstone, Warwickshire

Costs: Fully residential accommodation: £168 standard single or £208 ensuite,

PLUS workshop tuition fees:  £220 early bird (book before 29 Feb) or £245.

See booking information re Bursary Fund.

PLAY

Physically based play and mindfulness exercises bring us to into the here and now. As we inhabit our body with attention, we think less, worry less and plan less. We start to drop out of fear and into accepting the present in which life is always a miracle. A safe group develops when people play together and this creates a foundation for clowning.

THE CLOWN

In clowning we notice everything as life unfolds in and around us. The clown has an uncomplicated ‘just arrived’ quality. This simplicity is tremendously freeing.  Having no history, the clown has a unique, playful and curious relationship with everyday situations and big dramas, like life and death. Times of struggle can become luminous and very funny even, once we start to see the world through the clown. We see with new eyes and can relate to life with trust and spontaneity. More of who we really are can show up in the world and we in turn are able to receive more of what life and others wish to reveal to us. No experience of clowning is needed.

MEDITATION

Using movement, stillness, silence and the voice, meditations from different traditions weave through the workshop deepening awareness of the breath, body and our connection to all that is. You are invited to explore these with curiosity and at times to use meditation forms that are familiar to you if you wish. No experience of meditation or singing is needed.

VOICE

We can talk, sing, laugh, cry, shout, whisper, giggle, whine, encourage and celebrate with our voices. We will become acquainted with ways to play and express ourselves which are exciting, fun, emotional and kind. This is a rich process of inner exploration and self healing. It is possible to journey and work very deeply with the voice in a safe way that needs no singing experience.

SHAPE OF THE WORKSHOP
Sessions are created organically, balancing activity, stillness and sound in a continuous flow of profound inner work, relaxation and the invitation to just be. The energy of the group and the individual journey are taken into account all the time. A friendly atmosphere is characteristic of this combination of workshops, personal time, and community.

PURLEY CHASE CENTRE   (for more info: www.purleychasecentre.org.uk)

This retreat/conference centre offers a beautiful and safe environment, and is located in peaceful Warwickshire countryside, yet only 3 miles from Atherstone/9 miles from Nuneaton and main line trains.  There are 7 acres of grounds for us to enjoy, including meadows, lawns, beautiful views, majestic trees, and even a playground with adult-size zip wire for the more intrepid.  There is space for you to relax, walk, watch the clouds, fall asleep in the sun, paint a landscape (there is an art room in which you can play, paint, doodle, be creative).  Each day you will have time alone to be outdoors and connect with the natural world, in silence.

HOW TO APPROACH THE WORKSHOP RETREAT

The aim is to give you an authentic journey looking at death and rebirth with the Easter story serving as a reference. No particular knowledge of this story or indeed affiliation to Christianity is needed or promoted. The process of life and death is around us always; in the in and out of our breath; in the changing weather and seasons; in the great and daily dramas of our own lives, in the huge challenges of our world. This workshop is exciting and intense and you will get most from it if you come rested. You are encouraged to find your own edges and to become responsible for your process with the support of the group and teacher. The days include meditation, relaxation and silence to give space for you to see what is happening in you.

WHAT WILL I GET OUT OF IT?

People generally leave renewed and open hearted having made friends with their inner clown. Some have worked through something big emotionally and take this into further personal exploration. Some re-find or discover a sense of play for the first time. Some connect deeply with themselves and find greater self acceptance. Many are amazed at the sheer joy, laughter and creativity in the workshops and the community created by them.  Everyone leaves with tools for the journey and beautiful memories.

WHO CAN COME?

Anyone over 18, from any spiritual tradition or none, and any background, who is physically active can participate. Any questions about this please be in touch before booking. Usually there are a few people who have worked before with some elements of  this workshop retreat, but it is not necessary to have done any of it before.  In fact it can be an advantage to encounter it afresh, and to see that you do not need to succeed at any of it.

LEADER, ANGELA HALVORSEN BOGO   (Nee KNOWLES)

‘I began with improvised theatre as a teenager, trained later in circus and performing arts and fell in love with clowning, voice and physical theatre. Alongside bringing the essence of these to people, I also work as a storyteller in educational,  healing and cross cultural projects.  In 2012 I will have been performing and teaching for 25 years. Most of this has been in the UK with various short bursts to other countries.  Wherever I have traveled there is a universality about the clown. We are all emotional, spiritual beings on a great journey sometimes making mistakes, often confused, vulnerable and amazing.  Clowning brings authenticity, presence and wisdom when people connect with it. Extremely different kinds of people become a community anywhere where there is clowning because we take down the walls that keep us feeling separate.  The voice also communicates and unites people. I do my best to help people access the gifts of the clown and of the voice for their own transformation in consciousness. This work is informed by my own journey.  I am grateful to my teachers, to the various spiritual and educational communities I have been a part of, and to the many people who generously give written feedback following courses and from whom I try to learn.’

To know more or to ask Angela a question about the workshop write to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .  or go to www.thefoolstory.com

PREVIOUS PARTICIPANTS SAID:

'An extraordinarily glorious course - joy, depth, wonderful balance of different elements. It has confirmed me in my wish to live more fully in spontaneity and celebration. And to try to deal (again/better) with the tough stuff that comes up. I have a kaleidoscope of images of all the glorious moments.'      (Jennifer Kavanagh)

‘I have personally found the Paschal Clown workshop both profound and immensely freeing, and each time I have done it new discoveries and new life have emerged in surprising ways.  Angela has an amazing gift for creating a relaxing and safe environment in which I’ve been able to explore who I really am.  The play, laughter and stillness have been doorways through which to discover more about my authentic connections with others, myself and God, and to explore my own vulnerabilities.   I’ve learnt that it’s ok to be exactly who and what I am. ‘     (Marie Calvert)

‘We were encouraged and enabled to experience something of the creativity of the human - in all its fear, uncertainty and joyful release. I have never experienced anything so invigorating or liberating.‘ 

‘I was able to stop trying, to live truly in the moment. I have begun to learn how to play. I was really pleased with the sound work and left feeling that I would like to explore more.’

'The Paschal Clown course has changed my life. Thank you for your gentle guidance- with so much love for us. You are the best teacher I have ever met.'

Go to the bottom of the Paschal Clown description in 'WORKSHOPS AND COURSES' for Booking Form.