Hélène Pirenne

Hélène Pirenne is a director and actress with the Théâtre du Sursaut.

For over 20 years, she has been developing a research laboratory there focused on clowning. She is passionate about connecting with audiences.

Street theatre and theatre for young audiences are at the heart of her practice. These are her main areas of focus.

Having first graduated in set design (Beaux-Arts de Liège) and then from the Lassaad International Theatre School, she moved straight into creating shows in 2004.

Since 2002, she has trained in clowning with Michel Dallaire, Ami Hattab, Christophe Tellier, Sophie Bonhote and others.

In her work, the clown blends with the mask, the puppet and object theatre. These tools are always used to serve the emotional character that is the clown. She is fascinated by this being who plays with us; with our fragility and our mortal neuroses. The clown does not adapt; he shouts out his incomprehension, weaving together his raw emotions, his complexity and his insatiable need for love.

Her clowning practice seeks to blend excess and sincerity.

Her tools are the body, rhythm, theatrical ping-pong and childlike play. It is through these that improvisations begin. It is through the connection with the audience that they continue. Her writing process therefore constantly shifts between the stage and the desk. Her creations are in a state of constant evolution.

Alongside her work with the Théâtre du Sursaut, she works with other companies as a clown, director and acting coach. Directing actors plays a significant role in her practice. She is passionate about supporting actors to make their performance more fluid, to help them enjoy their work and to awaken their connection with the audience.

She also regularly runs workshops on clowning and full-face mask work.

Working on clowning with future professionals is an extension of her research.