Philipsburg:--- On the heels of a successful first run last December Imbali Center for Creative Movement and Albina Matuzko are bringing the theatrical production Baba-Yaga back for a final run on Saturday, January 28, at 8pm.This event will be staged at the John Larmonie Center on Longwall Road and cost for admittance is $15.
Baba-Yaga is a production which has been performed for international audiences to much acclaim and which also received appreciative reviews from local audiences. The story unfolds through the perspective of Matuzko's clown character Klusha, who identifies with Baba-Yaga, even though she is a well-known Slavic mythological character known for being "mad, bad, dangerous, haglike and ugly."
According to Matuzko, Klusha is fascinated by Baba-Yaga and wants to create a production which tells her story. However, as the production unfolds Klusha discovers that Baba-Yaga is not some external figure, but elements that live deep within her, thus the nature of the story is altered in the telling.
"Klusha is drawn to Baba-Yaga's vulnerability. She, Baba-Yaga, is viewed as a lonely, wild, cantankerous sort of character, who is often used a scare tactic especially with young children, but those are elements that are within all of us, as Klusha discovers," Matuzko said.
The production, which runs about one hour, draws audiences into Klusha's experiences as guided by Baba-Yaga and audiences are encouraged to go on an inner journey of laughter, tears and discoveries.
In addition to restaging the production Matuzko, in collaboration with Imbali Center for Creative Movement will be hosting a clown workshop for five consecutive Saturdays or Sundays, depending on participants' preference, starting February 11 or 12 between 10am- 1pm.
Matuzko said that a clown is "a master at the art of life. S/he exists within everyone of us. Discovering your own clown means bringing more joy, love and pleasure to your life. It also means being able to connect with yourself and others from one heart to another."
"The course is an invitation for you to empower yourselves, empty your busy heads, open your minds and go to the source of energy in your gut and the follow the senses in your hearts," Matuzko said.
She explained that games, dance and contact with other participants would incorporated into the workshop.
"By following impulses and acting in the moment you will discover the magic and power of improvising. You can re-experience your spontaneity, imagination, freedom and playfulness. You will learn to embrace your mistakes and have fun, to take risks; conquering fears. And if you are able, at the end, to laugh at the beauty of your own ridiculousness your lives will seem much easier," Matuzko said.
According to Reyes no previous experience in clowning is necessary in order to be a participant in the 5 week course. Matuzko said that the course is a basic one which would be good for the development of individuals from all walks of life.
"This course is especially useful for teachers, nurses and doctors, managers, leaders, politicians, policemen, officials, housewives, papas and mama, basically everybody who is in daily contact with other people. Artists of all kinds of performing arts can also enrich their own creative personalities by taking this course," she said, "You don't have to be smart, brave, or funny and it is absolutely great if you think you are far from perfect, just come out and give the workshops a try."
Aspects of focus include the development of clown character, emotions, and routines, clowning for special purposes including at hospitals and street performances and finally stage-clowning.
For more information concerning both the restaging of Baba-Yaga and the clown workshop please contact Matuzko at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or facebook: Albina Matuzko or 588-4439. or www.klusha.blogspot.com.