Does anyone appreciate mimes?

Answer 1

I do, but have always wondered this: "If a cop arrests a mime, does he tell the mime he has the right to remain silent?"

Answer 2

Sure. I do. The problem is that, when you say "mime," people think of those goofy dudes in white-face makeup hanging around shopping centers, and trying to coax a few cheap laughs out of the shoppers by imitating the walks/behaviors of other passers-by. Yawn.

REAL mimes -- those who have truly studied the craft and are proficient in it -- are absolutely AMAZING. I knew a world-class mime by the name of Daniel Stein, and some of the stuff he could do would blow your mind!

I also worked for awhile with a guy who had studied at one of the big mime schools in Paris. He, too, was a super-creative guy; I brought him on board when I was directing a production of Aristophanes' "Lysistrata," and his contributions pretty much made the show.

Answer 3

Absolutely. When Marcel Marceau played our city recently, his performances filled up a thousand seat concert hall for two nights in a row. He was brilliant.

Marceau's International School of Mimodrame of Paris is one of the most respected schools of physical theatre in the world.

It is unfortunate that the annoying street mimes of the 1970's have made this vital theatrical art something of a joke. In my opinion, all actors could learn a lot from studying mime. So many young actors can act with their heads and voices but not their bodies!

Answer 4

I certainly do. They have amazingly quick minds and agile bodies.

Unfortunately mimes have gotten a bad reputation from the droves of amateurs who thought miming was an easy way to break into street performance and make a buck by putting on white make-up, wearing black and white, annoying unsuspecting people who are just trying to go about their work.

True miming requires extensive training, often in clowning. Miming originates in the Renaissance art form of Commedia del 'Arte (or simply "Commedia" in theatrical circles). This is a study of character types, physical postures and presences and improvisation.

Try to find some info on commedia and I trust you will find yourself looking on the art form in a new light.

Answer 5

I do, actually, but perhaps not the kind of miming you refer to. What I'm thinking of is something I've seen at, of all places, Epcot Center in Disney World. In the Italian pavillion they often have people miming, but the attire and action is different. None of this black and white dress, and none of this interaction with objects that aren't there.

The one I remember best was a person painted all silver/gray playing a statue and very intentionally interacting with the audience. It was a great piece of performance art!!!

Answer 6

Never met a real one however seeing them on television and some games they do look like they could be a little too antagonistic for me.

Maybe some of them out there are ok I guess as long as they are more entertaining then antagonistic? I wouldn't know that for sure but it would be interesting to see if there are different types of mimes.

I think I like clowns more because they are more colorful.

Answer 7

oh yes. i love mimes. can i book your act for my child's birthday party?
NOT!!! get a real job.

Answer 8

I've never met anyone that did.