On 22–23 July, Liepāja hosted a free two-day buffoonery training for teenagers, “Bufonāde.” The programme ran for two full days. In addition, it featured open-air evening games and even a shared overnight stay. As a result, a whole group of young people learned to laugh at themselves. Moreover, they let go of their inhibitions and felt the support of one another.
What buffoonery is
Buffoonery is the theatre of exaggeration and the grotesque. Here, making mistakes isn’t scary. In fact, laughter becomes fuel for creativity. Through improvisation and play, the teenagers learned to accept themselves. They also adapted quickly to new situations. Above all, they embraced being loud, strange, and real.
The workshop was led by an international team of three facilitators. Marija Koreņeva (Ukraine–Lithuania) took the lead. Meanwhile, Marija Suslo (Vilnius) and Marija Bambuļaka (Liepāja) assisted. Indeed, this calibre of teaching draws participants from around the world.
A word from the school’s founder, Marija Bambuļaka:
“The buffoon is a strange creature from another world. It is driven by the pleasure principle. Therefore, it is ready to exaggerate anything, without fear and without limits. In a way, it acts as a conduit. It lets out everything we hold in — and we delight in that release. Still, no one suffers, because it all happens in play. Over these two days, the teenagers freed themselves from excessive social expectations. As a result, they felt more confident. They had a wonderful time. And that means adults need this just as much.”
Free — thanks to our supporters
For the teenagers, participation was completely free. This was possible thanks to our sponsors and partners. In particular, StayLiepaja supported the venue. Our school also holds the status of a public benefit organisation in the field of culture. Therefore, we direct the funds we raise toward the development of young people.
What’s next
The teenagers loved buffoonery. So adults will surely love it too. This autumn, therefore, we’re planning two buffoonery trainings for adults — in Liepāja and Riga. Tentatively, these will run in November–December 2026, as groups fill up. In addition, a beginner playback theatre course launches in Riga this autumn, for those who’d like to start with the basics.
Want to join a group or become a partner of the school? Then get in touch. 📩 bptps.lv