My name is Johan
Festival Impulsez

The Impulsez festival welcomes all forms of theatre disciplines, it is therefore not surprising to discover Mark Jane, a regular vistor to the festival, propose a show devised around mask work. Masks have been used by actors since the origins of theatre itself ! Although improvising with masks is a rare artform. Poetry, emotion and physical performance will be the key words in this unique show beautifully interpreted by Mark Jane and Steve Jarand. An age old tradition, two modern actors and one hour of instant delight !

Le Saviez-vous?
Mark Jane is an actor, director and teacher who has been specialized in improvised theatre since 1994. In 1996 he moved to Paris where he pursued his professional acting career. He has trained with improvisation masters such as Keith Johnstone, Mick Napier and Patti Stiles.
Over the years he has experimented a wide range of improvisation styles as both actor and director. He shares his knowledge through his teaching where his experience of English and French improvisation concepts mixed with his energetic passion for improvisation create a unique and enriching workshop experience. In 2012 Mark supervised the French translation of "Impro - Improvisation and theatre" by Keith Jonhstone.
Mark is the Artistic Director of the Parisian troupe the Improfessionals, with whom he plays regular shows in English and in French.

Steve Jarand
In 1987 Steve discovered improvisation at Loose Moose theatre in Calgary, Canada. Spontaneity and acceptation made sense to him, but his responsible side forced him to return to his schooling. He spent four years studying fine arts at the University of Calgary.
But he couldn't stop improvisation.
He became a student of Keith Johnstone, who directed him in a production of "The Caucasian chalk circle" and his desire to explore theatre grew sending him on artistic adventures in Europe, South America, Africa, the Middle East and South East Asia.
Between voyages he worked in the Rocky Mountain National Parks where he transformed nature into theatre.
This is where he began to be interested in narrative, puppets and mask work. He has become one of the world specialists in the domain of Trance Mask.