Meet The Fools

BEN-JAMIN NEWHAM

Ben's passion for Commedia dell'arte started many years ago. At only sixteen, he traveled to Italy to take part in a 5-month, professional Commedia dell'arte course under the direction of Maestro Antonio Fava where Maestro Fava quickly began calling him  'Il Zanni Virtuoso'.

It was Antonio who introduced Ben to Fools In Progress during a Commedia dell'arte

workshop the company had organized for the Italian Cultural Community Centre in Sydney in 2011. 

It was a stroke of luck for the Fools, to know that Ben was right here in Sydney.

That moment marked the beginning of a professional relationship of the highest level.

Ben has risen through the ranks of the company from ensemble actor, to principle, to co-owner and now following Bianca's retirement in 2023 he has grudgingly taken on the role of Artistic Director. In his starring, critically acclaimed role as the Zanni servant, sometimes called 'Arlecchino', 'Harlequin' or 'Truffaldino' (but not exclusively). He is without equal. Yet, Ben's artistic versatility allows him to portay (nearly) all the characters to a professional level. His training has always focused on Commedia dell'arte expertise and repertoire.

As the excellent dancer that he is, Ben exercises masterful control over his body when embodying the Commedia characters, doing so with natural grace that has come as a result of years of studying and consistent exercise.

In 2015, intent on refreshing our knowledge of Commedia, The entire company returned to Italy to participate together in an intensive, advanced and invite only, one-month workshop led once again by Antonio Fava. 

This experience all

the more consolidated our artistic bond and above all, our sincere friendship.

together we celebrate the romantic theatre of yesteryear, While under the visionary, artistic direction of the 'Zanni Virtuoso' incorporating virtual reality, holographic and other technological innovations to help bring Commedia dell'arte education and entertainment into the 21st century and beyond! 

JOSEPH BILLINGS

Joe is a gifted Comedic performer who works for starlight children's foundations as a clown and starlight captain bringing laughter to sick kids and their families. He also trained in Italy under Antonio Fava at the and so is well versed and professionally trained in Commedia dell'arte. A recent addition and invaluable asset to Fools In Progress Theatre Co. Joe is the Managing Director of Fools In Progress Melbourne and also the lead male performer and Instructor for the Melbourne chapter of the company.

EMMA SPUTNIK

We are proud as punch that Emma has accepted a position with Fools In Progress.

With her training in music, puppetry, clowning and Commedia and with her sharp and devilish wit, bright, cheerful 'can do' attitude and appreciation of the history and style of Commedia dell' arte she is a fantastic Fool!

Emma approached Fools In Progress seeking further experience in Commedia dell' arte after working with our friends over at Matriark Theatre and catching the Commedia bug! She comes to us preloaded with the perfect skillset. 

Add to this the fact that Emma has also worked as a professional costume designer/seamstress and as a variety performance artist needless to say Emma has become an instant asset to the company and the Fools are frothing at the chance to utilise the full extent of her immense skillset.

KIM DEVITT

Actor, musician, singer, comedian, 'bardolator' and registered teacher - Kim's life has been entrenched in theatre and education for many years now. While completing her DipEd in 2010, Kim undertook an independent study contract which allowed her to travel to Singapore, Johor Baru and Kuala Lumpur in a cultural exchange project with the Temple of Fine Arts, where she toured and performed in the children's theatre pantomime "The Phoenix and the Fighting Pandas of Yunnan Province". Never having lost touch with her childhood wonder, curiosity and fantasy, Kim has curated an extensive background performing for children in a wide range of settings including schools, corporate functions, events and birthday parties. Originally from Perth in Western Australia, Kim moved to Melbourne in 2018 and has since undertaken further training, completing a Bachelor of Performing Arts at Federation University Arts Academy in Ballarat. In 2023, she toured a performance of Shakespeare's 'Loves Labour's Lost' to the Prague Fringe Festival playing Don Adriano de Armado - The Fantastical Spaniard. Kim continues to teach and perform in Melbourne, and has found the Commedia dell' Arte an inescapable and invaluable part of her journey as an educator and performer. Joining the Fools in Progress troupe in 2024, she can't wait to spread the joy of Commedia to schools across Victoria."

BIANCA BONINO

Retired 2023

Our "founding fool" Bianca Bonino was born, raised and trained in Turin, Italy and commanded Commedia dell'Arte with a level of authenticity and

accuracy that most could never hope to attain.

Bianca's consummate combination of culture & characterization, as well

her acute comic wit & timing, placed her amongst the world's apex authorities, teachers, performers and "Pantalones" of the 21st century.

Bianca was just that - a "Pantalone Prodigy" that used the mask (and a prosthetic goatee) to conjure the eidolon of Commedia and play the ancient roles of Pantalone, lI Dottore and Pulcinella with such authenticity that the audience are often unaware of

the gender swap taking place!

Although Bianca started Fools In Progress in 2007 it wasn't until 2011 when Maestro Antonio Fava forged an introduction to Ben-Jamin that the Fools really got in progress!

After performing with Fools In Progress Theatre Company across Australia together for 9 years, condensing their classic comedic chemistry, Bianca.

offered Ben-Jamin the position of co-owner of Fools In Progress, Which he eagerly accepted. 

Thanks to Antonio Fava and the training and masks he provided us with, Fools In Progress Theatre Company has grown into an internationally renowned Commedia dell'arte institution and Bianca Bonino started and ran it all, for a decade, by herself. 

The opportunity to watch a TRUE Commedia master at work, is a theatrical marvel that you will never forget!

But, to work with and learn from not just one- but two, is the reason Fools In Progress Theatre Company continues to grow, thrive and perform with unrivaled success and authenticity.

Bianca's choice to retire in 2023 rocked the company and left a pair of comically large shoes to fill!