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450 BCE
Mime Begins
Historians believe that mime may have developed in the 4th and 5th centuries BCE. Greek mime is often described as dealing with domestic and romantic situations, usually in a highly suggestive manner. It was also used to parody mythological figures and stories.
(from "Theatre: The Lively Art") -
100 BCE
Roman Pantomime
Eventually, the craft of mime reached the Roman Empire. The Romans developed a form they referred to as "pantomime," in which a single male dancer interpreted classical literature, sometimes accompanied by a chorus that chanted and/or musicians. Roman pantomime remained popular until the fall of the Empire around 476 C.E.
(from "Theatre: the Lively Art") -
1550
CommeDia dell'Arte
Between 1550 and 1750, "commedia dell'arte," meaning "comedy of professional artists," flourished during the Italian Renaissance. Commedia dell'arte was highly improvisatory. Though the scenarios were written by company members, much of the action and some dialogue was made up by the characters as they went along -
The SpRead of Commedia dell'Arte
From 1760 to 1800, the theatrical style of Commedia dell'Arte gradually spread across Europe, becoming particularly popular in England and France. Troupes in these countries used their own stories and traditions to create scenarios. -
Mime into the 20th CentUry
As technology and theatre arts developed, the art of mime saw a new opportunity to spread at the turn of the century. With the advent of film, actors would perform silently to musical tracks. Though much different than early mime, emphasis on expression and the focus on the actor remained constant. Two major stars of silent film were Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton, who were known for their comical stories and death-defying stunts.
Check it out! -
MaRcel Marceau
Marcel Marceau was a French actor who became best known for bringing the art of Mime back to the forefront of contemporary theatre. His persona of Bip the Clown was inspired by one of Charlie Chaplin's silent film characters, "Little Tramp." In 1959, he established his own pantomime school in Paris. -
PopuLar Mime Today
Today, the art of mime continues to be a relatively popular genre of theatre. Silent acting groups and improv groups rely heavily on gestures and actions in order to entertain audiences. Many theaters in the United Kingdom and Ireland put on Christmas pantomimes, which often involve lots of dancing and music as well as pantomime.
