Jos Houben

Jos Houben is a Belgian comic actor, director, and teacher born in 1959, widely celebrated for his mastery of physical theater. He is an alumnus of the prestigious Jacques Lecoq school in Paris. He is best known for his solo show *The Art of Laughter*, which analyzes the mechanics of comedy.

*The Art of Laughter* is a solo lecture-performance where Jos Houben breaks down the physical and psychological mechanics of comedy. He demonstrates how the body's relationship to gravity and tension dictates what makes an audience laugh. The show has been performed globally and is highly regarded as a masterclass for actors and performers.

Jos Houben studied at the École Internationale de Théâtre Jacques Lecoq in Paris. This school is legendary for its focus on movement, mime, and physical theater, which formed the foundation of Houben's career. He later went on to teach and share these techniques with new generations of actors.

Yes, Jos Houben was a core member and co-founder of the renowned Théâtre de Complicité in London. During his time with the company, he performed in and helped develop their highly physical, improvised style of theater. He collaborated on famous productions like *The Street of Crocodiles* before branching into his solo career.