Gael's Erratic Pigeon Post | Migration time
Hello friend!
As you may know, the Improv Learning Center is shutting down tomorrow. Because the Erratic Pigeon Post—which has been even more erratic in the last few months—was hosted on the same system as the ILC, I am now moving my newsletter to a new amazing provider: Buttondown!
This means that the look and feel is different, and that it's still under construction. There might be some visual improvement to come on the newsletter in the next few issues!
Also, today's Pigeon Post is kinda bulky, because there is so much to catch on. But I promise I'll try to keep it between 500 and 750 words in the future.
Will anything change?
Nothing! At least not for you. I will have to take this new tool in hand and see how it works, and how I can bring you more content slightly more regularly.
I promise at least one newsletter per month, with a maximum of one per week. It's still gonna be erratic, it's still gonna talk about improv, about my projects and ideas, about some of the work I do locally and internationally, and probably about food.
What's up these days?
I've had a loooot of work in the last few months, including a lot of exciting projects. I will definitely do a longer article about some of them, but let me give you an overview of the cool stuff I've been up to.
Safe Play
That's a whole new thing that I've been working on for two years now. Started during the first lockdown, the project brings together a group of European improvisers and teachers to think about creating a better, safer and healthier community for improv in Europe.
For a few days, we are now going public after two years of discussions, decisions, self-education, research and design of what we are. We just finished the first version of the website where we put together our manifesto, a big list of resources and the possibility to share with us your personal story when it comes to sexual discomfort, misconducts, harassment or assault.
Flock Theatre
With my partner in crime Laura, we have been super-busy at Flock Theatre. In the last quarter, we've had:
- A great double-bill with two shows from The Fraltons and Scandalous Women of History (they will be at the JO! festival this Summer too)
- Two nights of shows for my latest creation I Will Survive, an improvised theatre piece set in the 90's and covering the topic of the AIDS crisis
- Making amazing theatre with an international cast for the Brothers Lionheart, directed by Laura
On top of that, we also had all of our courses, the showcases that go with it, the travels that start happening again, and more. Exciting times!
The SIN
For those who don't know it, I'm part of a European Network of Improvisers, and we usually meet two times a year to work together and exchange on our best practices. Because of the pandemic, we did not meet since October 2019 (and me since April 2019). We finally got the opportunity to meet again in Antwerp and do great work together!
What's coming up?
If you want to follow me in the next few weeks, I have a ton of projects in Amsterdam, Réunion Island, Israel and more. STAY. TUNED.
Here is a glimpse of it.
minIMPRO Amsterdam
I've recently been appointed Artistic Director of IMPRO Amsterdam, the historical international festival in Amsterdam. One of my first decisions as an AD was to cancel the 2022 edition, because our venue closed. But that was followed by the decision to organise a mini-festival—still 15 workshops and 4 nights of shows—from May 11 to May 14!
If you are around, or if you want to discover more improvisers based in the Netherlands, have a look at our website. It's all in English, and we still have some spots available!
Miyazaki Summer Intensive Workshop
Like two years ago and three years ago, I'm running an improv Summer intensive in Amsterdam. The theme is improvising in the style of Hayao Miyazaki!
It's gonna be great and I'm already very excited to teach it. Anyone can sign up for one week or two. Get the info here and join this amazing international group, learn and play in a beautiful theatre in Amsterdam!
But what about food?!
Asparagus season is back! Don't forget to make stock with your stems and peels, it's pretty amazing. Also, it goes really well with red wine poached eggs.
If you’re reading this on the web or you’ve been forwarded this email by a friend, you can subscribe here. You can also find me on Facebook or Instagram. My latest activity, my classes and workshops to come are here.