Today i compiled a list of things that i believe are prior generalizations of mimes. First, they typically wear a combination of black and white full-face makeup and they are generally European in origin. Secondly, mimes do not speak at all and are generally portrayed as very sad. Finally, they have been shown in media from a variety of cartoons to film. However, this list also made me realize all of the unanswered questions that remain about the world of mime. I decided to research a few of these questions.
The most basic question to ask is how one would define "mime". As defined in T. Earl Pardoe's book,Pantomimes for Stage and Study, to pantomime is "the telling of a story or incident without the use of words. It is a body action to reveal thought (38)". Even though it may look simple, pantomiming can communicate an idea or an emotion so that one can feel connected to the performer and the action. In the book Pantomime: the Silent Theater, written by Douglas and Kari Hunt, they explain how the word pantomime applies to a mime. "The words mime and pantomime are now used almost interchangeably to refer to the use of the body to communicate without words. Pantomime refers to the performance while mime refers to the actual performer. To pantomime is not merely a part of acting or dancing, it is an art form in its own right, and has been presented as such from the time of the ancient Greeks and Romans to present day (8)".
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How do you think mimes are portrayed in the media? From what I have seen, they are generally portrayed as entertaining street performers, or annoying pests that creep you out. Their common depressing image tends to give off a negative vibe. Why do you think mimes generally have a sad look on there face? Is it because they aren’t allowed to talk? Also, how do you think other street performers feel about mimes? In today’s society, street performing is a huge trend around the world. Street performers range from jugglers and fire-eaters, to musicians and magicians. But the mimes tend to be the most popular street performer, probably because of their unique appearance and talent.
ReplyDeleteIn the media today, I would say that your statement is correct. Mimes do tend to be portrayed at either of these two extremes. There are what are called " complimentary phobias" that some people develop which include the fear of mimes (mimeophobia) or clowns (clownophobia). Also in this grouping can be the fear of dolls, especially moving ones, toy monkeys, marionettes or ventriloquist dummies, jack in the boxes, and mascots. (http://drama.zanysite.com/). They seem to be misunderstood by some, but there are still individuals who find them solely entertaining. Personally, I am terrified of clowns, but when it comes to mimes I do not have a problem. I am unsure of why I react towards one, but not the other that so many people find to be equally disturbing. Perhaps it's based off other media, for example the movie "IT" made generations of people scared of clowns, but the media I have seen Mimes portrayed in has made them seem gentle and somewhat sad, not threatening at all.
ReplyDeleteIs there a special name for silent street performers who aren't mimes? For example, when I lived in Barcelona, there were lots of human statues, and there was a guy who dressed up as a tree; his fingers twigs, arms were painted green and brown, face painted, and he had an eleborate branchy thing that extended from his back to about 2 feet above his head. He also had a long, flowing robe that covered the 3 foot box he was standing on. In all, he was about ten feet tall. He didn't speak, just moved ever so solwly for about 45 minutes at a time. Extraordinary muscle control. However, I don't think he would be considered a mime.
ReplyDeleteAll of the articles that I have found so far call the types of performances that you described as a "mime variation" act. I think that they take instruction from the same principles that Mime Artists do, however they would be considered a variation act because instead of using the basic elements (plain, tighter fitting clothes that show body movements, and only expressions) these performers use props and intricate costumes to entertain their audience. That would be impressive to see, and as you said an incredible muscle control.
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