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running for almost 20 years Fools In Progress Sydney performs and teaches in schools and to the public and is among Australias' most elite independant theatre troupes
launched in 2024 Fools In Progress Melbourn features some of Austrtalia's best Commedia dell'arte performers.
Discover unique and handmade treasures at our artisan markets, featuring a curated selection of vendors and artists from around the world.
BEN-JAMIN NEWHAM
Ben's passion for Commedia dell'arte started many years ago in high school. 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
BEN-JAMIN NEWHAM
Ben's passion for Commedia dell'arte started many years ago in high school. 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 lead, to co-owner and now, following Bianca's retirement in 2023 he has begrudgingly taken on the role of Artistic Director. In his starring, critically acclaimed role as the Zanni servant, sometimes called 'Arlecchino', 'Harlequin' or 'Truffaldino' . 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-jamin 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 as a company 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!
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 Pro
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.
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 wo
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!
Pantalone is a misunderstood character in Commedia dell'arte. He is not a mean, greedy, cruel old man but a victim of life. A man who lost his riches as a young man and then worked very hard to reclaim them. Now he knows he is old and doesn't have the time or energy to regrow his wealth again. He is scared of dying as a poor man because he has seen his poor friends suffer horribly. So, he tries as best he can, as every retired pensioner does to save his money and be as thrifty as he possibly can
Fools In Progress Theatre Co pays respect to the Eora, Turrbal & Wurundjeri people & recognize them as the traditional custodians of Gadigal, Meanjin & Kulin country on which we live, work & play. We acknowledge their connections to the land & community and we pay respect to their elders past and present, while also extending that respect to all Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people.
Always was. Always will be.
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