Commedia Academy of Australia - Western Australia

Whether directing theatre performances, performing for your school, or creating giant carnival floats, their passion is to promote this hilarious Italian Art form in Australia and beyond. Commedia Academy of Australia produces and performs work for Australian and International audiences. Founders Antonio (Giri) Mazzella and Giovanni (Sanjiva) Margio met in 1981 and began working together, drawing from their Italian roots. They studied and performed with the Masters of Mask in Asia and Europe, in particular Antonio Fava of Teatro del Vicolo, Italy.
www.commediaacademy.com

GGiovanni (Sanjiva) Margio Sanjiva’s passionate love for the Arts and Theatre has taken him to many countries in search of perfecting his skills. Born in Sicily, Sanjiva studied design and fine Arts, at the State Institute of Arts and in Australia he studied graphic design, filmmaking and photography. He travelled internationally, training in circus skills, clown, mime, mask, music, singing, dance, movement, story telling, improvisation and Theatre Sports. In 1991 he returned to Italy to train in Commedia dell'Arte with Antonio Fava. As a sculptor he designs large Carnival floats, puppets, masks, sets, costumes and props, for the Cinema, TV, outdoor events and theatrical productions. Sanjiva also teaches, directs, facilitates groups and professional development programs.

AAntonio (Giri) Mazzella With a background in classical singing, circus and community arts, Giri began a love affair with clowning, physical comedy and maskwork that led him to train and perform with the masters of mask in Asia and in 1991 with Antonio Fava in Italy. As a member of Australia's Clown Doctors he appears in hospitals as "Doctor Wot?! - Head Of Amnesia" or he may be found playing accordion and singing with the outrageous Italian cabaret band "The Black Nonna's". Whether for drama classrooms or festivals, Giri has shared his seriously playful approach to physical theatre -running workshops and creating many solo, school and community performances Australia wide. Recently he performed in France in the lead role in the award winning multi- media presentation of "The Arrival" for which he was nominated Best Actor by his WA Theatre peers. As a director of Commedia Academy of Australia he tours, performs and teaches Commedia dell'Arte.

Expressing the spirit of the mask – for the teacher FRI Session 2 Workshop Studio

Expressing the spirit of the mask – for the actor SAT Session 3 Workshop Studio

Performances

Commedia Viva FRI “Commedia per te” 7.30pm Woodward Theatre

The Black Nonnas SAT “Festa Commedia” 7.30pm Woodward Theatre

- Click here for the program