by Michelle Bortoni

 

 

Mime-tizing life: the eloquence of silence

 

When you hear the word “Mime” what is the first thing that comes to your mind?…Striped shirt, shabby hat, a flower, white face and melancholic gaze? … a perfect image of Marcel Marceau, “the world’s greatest mime”. Perhaps, you’ve heard about him, or maybe not, well this is the opportunity to get to know the most important person in the “art of silence” world.

 

This master of pantomime, with his ability to project a wide range of sentiments using purely facial and body expression, has earn the status in the canon of true artistry. Marcel Marceau, a name that deserves a tribute for his delighting contributions to the world.

 

It was in Strasbourg, France, where Marceau was born. His interest in the art of silence started really early, his inspirations were form acclaimed comedy artists like Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton and Harry Langdon among others. His studies were formalized in the Charles Dullin’s School of Dramatic Art in Paris. His first “mimodrama” performance was so acclaimed that marked the beginning of his never ending talented career.

 

Performances like “the cage”, “walking against the wind”, “the mask maker” are some famous routines, which many mimes include in their arts as well as the famous mime suit were creation of Mr. Marceau. Bip the clown, Marcel’s alter ego is the classical image that everyone has of a mime; he has become a canon in the pantomime around the world.

 

In the late 40’s, after the war and once being a member of the French Resistance, Marceau founded the only and own “Compagnie de Mime Marcel Marceau” in the world, making him a pioneer of the art of mime in its most pure way. Starting in France and spreading through the world, was how this wonderful artists started to get into the hearts of the audiences. He has been touring around all the continents with his pantomime shows and has also appeared in television, producing positive outcomes and earning him awards like the prestigious “Emmy”.

 

Director, performer, producer, writer, creator, actor, poet, illustrator are just some of the many phases that can describe the life and work of Marcel Marceau. Many renowned people have awarded him with many considerable honors. He has been named “Grand Officer of the Order of Merit” by his home country president Mr. Chirac. He has become a prestigious member of the most distinguished arts academies throughout Europe and America. Marcel, with his power of creating a whole story without any sounds or words, has been crossing boundaries. His abilities of making laugh and bringing joy with his performances have made audiences thrill in spite of age, race, or culture.

 

It is almost impossible to think about pantomime and not think about Mr. Marceau image. As a way to make the art of silence to continue throughout the next generations, “The Marceau Foundation” was created with the aim of promoting and encouraging the art of mime around the world. Trying to preserve the magic and nostalgia of this art is what this great artist wants to leave as a legacy of his wonderful achievements.