A Gypsy Folktale
Storybook Performance
By Bernie Kramer, assisted by Leland Faulkner & Michael Menes
18:47
A gypsy folktale about life, death and a hero’s journey. This complex, challenging story is an excellent example of “atmosphere work,” a cornerstone of the process of the Montanaro Method. One actor creating all the characters, objects and natural elements in a physical approach to personal theater. This piece is one of a larger series of storybooks created by the Kramer-Faulkner-Menes team!
©2021 Bernie Kramer.
About The Red King
by Bernie Kramer
I first began work on the Red King decades ago in Tony’s workshops. Recently, I re-opened this can of worms working with Leland Faulkner and we re-examined it for Jungian and archetypical themes. The main character in the Red King is interesting, in that he has had a glimpse of impermanence that governs this realm, but reacts with fear. He returns heroically to face down his demons, but alas it is late now and life has passed him by. The story embodies the Gypsy ironic critique of our materialistic culture that instead of understanding impermanence to cause us to embrace life and love, causes us to hide in falsities.
Thank God for Lee in so many ways. He carries Tony’s torch, and reignited my enthusiasm for this art form.
– Bernie Kramer, Actor-Storyteller-Mime
BERNIE’S BIO
A dogged, persistent student who enjoyed playing and working for thirty years with Tony on mime, improv, clowning, storytelling and sketch-writing, also worked with Moni Yakim, Samuel Avital, Burt Houle, Marcel Marceau and Michael Henry. Bernie studied acting with Anne Jackson and others at HB Studio for 25 years, working on Shakespeare with many fine teachers, particularly Geoffrey Owens, always expanding, consolidating and extending his base.
ABOUT THE COLLABORATION
Captured in Buckfield, Maine at Eureka Arts Studio under the direction of Leland Faulkner. Camerawork and editing were done by Leland Faulkner and Michael Menes. Music and SFX are licensed through ArtList.io. Lee Faulkner, previous owner and instructor at the Celebration Barn, has a degree in film from the Brooks Institute in Santa Barbara, California. Michael Menes is also a former student and instructor at Celebration Barn and manages the Eureka Arts Studio in Buckield where he works as a media arts professional. The storybook approach, complemented by illustrations and video effects using a green screen, serves to amplify and clarify the storyline in translating it from the stage to the video-film medium.
CALLS TO ACTION
No tip jar, but if you haven’t already, please sign up for the MIME SPOKEN HERE mailing list! If you enjoyed this work and would like to chip in to support the platform, donations can be made through PayPal! Click here.
