A History of Pantomime
The Silent World of Mime
An Ancient Entertainment
The word "pantomime" originates from the Greek word, "all imitating". Performances of pantomime in Ancient Greece was a popular form of entertainment that typified comedies and tragedies. In Roman civilization, pantomime was performed as part of regular theater. Often criticized by the noblesse literary establishment with much disdain, pantomime was described as effeminate or erotic in nature.
Pantomime and Dance
In 15th century Italy, the early precourser of ballet dance was performed. These were Renaissance dances centered around the movements in the art of fencing. As ballet grew in popularity, the use of pantomime added dimension to characters like the villainous Baron Von Rothbart, in Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake or the characters in "Nutcracker Suite". When Commedia dell'arte, an early improvisational theater in Italy's 16th century debuted, it gave rise to a link to pantomime. Scripts written by ancient poets were readapted as stories portrayed by mimes. One such story, "Harlequinade" featured the great Italian clown, Grimaldi in the role of Harlequin, part of Commedia dell'arte entertainment programs.
Pantomime in France and England
From the 16th through the 18th centuries, pantomime spread throughout France and England. When it debuted in England, however, it was provided as entertainment during intermissions of operatic performances. As pantomime captured imaginations, it soon grew into a separate and distinct performance, though it might still have been considered another dimension of opera or ballet.
Famous Mimes
One of the most famous pantomimes, Charles Chaplin, in the early part of the 19th century created pithy characters like "The Tramp" in silent films. Silent films relied heavily on the ability of the actor pantomime to project facial expressions and exaggerated gestures that communicated ideas and themes in each film.
Pantomime Today
Pantomime, as a contemporary art, is an acquired taste for this form of entertainment. It's enjoyed immensely by children. One of the most prominent names in pantomime became so artistically entrancing, he was often billed as "The World's Greatest Mime", Marcel Marceau. Marceau was born in Strasburg, France. He imitated silent screen artists like Buster Keaton, Laurel and Hardy, Charlie Chaplin and Harry Langdon. Marceau's most famous pantomimes include, "The Mask Maker", "Walking Against The Wind" and a summation of aging man. Marceau is considered the icon of pantomime in the world of entertainment.
Pantomime Innovators
It may be said that "Mummenschanz" a contemporary mime ensemble of four, founded in 1972 accomplished uniquely subtle and well choreographed pantomimes. Their approach, in a kind of art nouveau pantomime mix of movement and visual manipulation, incorporates the use of props, maskes, forms and light and shadow to create unusual shapes on stage that dazzle the imagination. Mime has come a long way from the ancient Greek comedy and tragedy pantomimes. Pantomime remains an important form of expression and movement in the theatrical world. Today, pantomime is taught as part of dance training as well as drama and acting schools.
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