Comicità23

International Conference 23-25 March

Accademia Dimitri > Lezioni, Workshop & Eventi > Comicità23 | International Conference 23-25 March

Symposium “Comicità23”

Accademia Dimitri, Ticino, 23-25 March 2023

From 23 to 25 March 2023, this international symposium, which stems from Anna Stoll Knecht’s “Ambizione” research project “Music and clowning in Europe, 20th-21st c.“, will investigate the mechanics and theories of comedy, humour and laughter at the Accademia Dimitri (Verscio). In view of confronting theory and practice, the program offers a combination of presentations and shows. The lectures will be echoed by the performances of artists renowned for their unique approach to comedy: Gardi Hutter, Jos Houben, Compagnia Baccalà and Matthias Martelli, who will present his reinterpretation of Dario Fo’s Mistero Buffo. As a prelude to the conference, in collaboration with Teatro Dimitri, we are pleased to present ‘Septik’, the latest show of the Fribourg company Les Diptik, on March 22.

What is the comic phenomenon, how can it be understood, described and provoked? What are the similarities and differences between verbal, sound and physical comedy? What is the function of timing and rhythm in the comic effect? What links can be established between the notion of comedy and the figure of the clown, who has fascinated the arts since its birth, and particularly at the turn of the 20th century?

The conference will bring together complementary modes of reflection through individual presentations and conversations, which will seek to explore the declinations of comedy and humour in theatre, circus, cinema, music, philosophy and neuroscience, with the purpose of deepening the research on this theme already undertaken in each of these disciplines separately.

By comparing different manifestations of comedy, and by jointly involving theory and practice, we aim to shed light on the multiple facets of this profoundly human phenomenon, which concerns us all, and whose crucial importance cannot be stressed enough at a time when ideological confrontations seem to make us lose all sense of humour.

The talks are located in the “Aula Grande” in the Accademia Dimitri, they are free and open to all, within the limits of available places.
Reservation is possible and recommended, by e-mail.
The shows will be held in the Teatro Dimitri.
Tickets for the shows: Isabel Parini +41 91 252 14 00 / info@teatrodimitri.ch