Alternative Paths to Performance: Mime

Where did Mime come from?

Mime was first created to help people communicate with each other before language was developed.  When spoken language came about, mime simply changed from a form of communication to something used for entertainment purposes. Mime first became a prominent form of entertainment in Greece where mimes known as ethologues, would perform shows that taught life lessons. In Athens, mimes performed outdoors during the day time at events such as festivals in honor of Dionysus, the god of theater. There were also a more complex form of mime known as hypothesis, where each actor played multiple roles. During the Middle Ages,  the Commedia dell'Arte form of mime became popular in Italy. Commedia dell'Arte was when costumed performers would take on the streets with masks and show off their acrobatic talents. Today, mime can be divided into two different categories; literal and abstract. Literal mime deals with comedy and theater. Abstract mime deals with feelings, thoughts, and emotions.

How Would a Mime Performace Be?

When coming to see a mime peformace, there are many conventions that you should expect to see. First, the lighting at most mime shows is very dim and there is usually a spot light on the main characters. There will be limited props and the stage will be almost completely bare. The entire auditorium will be completely silent and there may be a few sound effects every now and then. The actors will not say anything and you will be expected to use your imagination to create a story.

In the photo above, a mime is pretending to sit on a chair. It takes a lot of muscle and focus to be able to stand at such an angle that the audience can use their own imagination to picture an actual chair.

In this photograph, a mime is performing on the street. Many mimes are street performers who make money by receiving tips.

The mime in this photograph is performing a popular act where mimes act like they are stuck in a box.

In this video, the woman shows how to mime. She shows each step necessary to be a mime climbing up a ladder. Notice the musical effects that add to the imagery.

This form of mime in the video above is extremely interesting because it combines spiritual dance with mime. I think that this is an excellent exampleof how mime evokes feelings without the actors even having to speak.

Interesting Facts!!!!:

• Christianity actually banned mime because they viewed it as indecent.
• The word "mime" means imitation of life

Works Cited:

Felner, Mira, and Claudia Orenstein. "5." The World of Theatre: Tradition and Innovation. Boston: Pearson/Allyn & Bacon, 2006. Print.

"The History of Mime." 301 Moved Permanently. Web. 04 Mar. 2012. http://members.tripod.com/~kiko_mime/history.html.


"Click Here To Play: Mime - The World's Worst Art Form." Mime. Web. 07 Mar. 2012. http://www.funtrivia.com/en/subtopics/Mime---The-Worlds-Worst-Art-Form-97882.html.


"Mime Artists." Mime Artist I Mime Shows I Mime Acts I Mime Workshops. Web. 08 Mar. 2012. <http://www.mimethegap.com/acts_french_mime.htm>.