We have spent some time learning about the emotions that music can evoke or the way music can be used to communicate those emotions. It goes either way. Now that we are moving into performance season, my classes have been discussing other ways to communicate, especially when considering we have a theater/musical performance in our very near future. A student brought up the concept of sign language, which of course we will be putting into our concert. We realized that sign language is still of way of saying words, however. But is there maybe another way to communicate with no sounds or signs? Of course! But first, we have to change the reputation and history of mimes before we can learn how to mime. History of Mime-ing We do a very brief crash-course of miming. There is so much history and it really is a part of so many cultures. Since I work in a French immersion setting, we explore more of the France/Italy/Greece side of social contexts. Originally, mimes functioned as comic relief in between opera acts. The art of pantomiming then developed into a performance art, illustrating stories and events. It was also common as a training technique in the theater. Nowadays, miming has been twisted to be viewed as annoying or even creepy. With Hollywood producing films or shows depicting “evil clowns”, characters from the Joker in the Batman series to Stephen King’s Pennywise, mime artists have unfairly been lumped into these psycho fiction stories. My students’ initial reaction to seeing photo of a mime was less than favorable. So looking at the picture, we broke down what we were observing together. Why do Mimes look like that? The White Face The iconic white facepaint is a part of the scare-factor used by Hollywood. However, it actually has a function, believe it or not. After a quick discussion about some color theory, we discovered that the color white reflects light. That’s why snow in the winter can make driving difficult, or why football players use black to cancel out the light. In the same fashion, mimes use white facepaint to make their features and facial expressions stand out easier for large audiences. Likewise, this also speaks to the reason for the white gloves; simply for viewer accessibility. The Other Paint The paint that sits on top of the white paint has a function as well. Much like beautification makeup today, black mime makep is used to enhance facial features or manipulate features into a specific set of emotions. For example, angled eyebrows could mean anger, confusion, or concentration. How to Mime After destigmatizing mime artists, I show my students a few videos of mimes. . . well, miming. The video is prefaced by some things that we may see as well as the premise that he will only show the audience his story so we have to pay attention to figure it out. The video below is one of our favorites. Following this short clip, we discuss how the mime was using facial expressions or actions to convince his audience of his story. We practice some of his expressions and then we play charades. It’s so much fun!! The kids really catch on to the game after watching this particular sketch. A few more of our favorites: Even though Rowan Atkinson uses a synchronized soundtrack in his performance, I draw attention to his use of only two props: the broom and the stool. Everything else he does is “imaginary.” Also, it’s hilarious! Miming Now After goig through this mini-unit, my students now enjoy miming, mime videos, and even playing charades. They have requested charades for their class parties instead of more Mario runs. . . (I’m not hating on Mario runs, I actually love them myself. Just a surprising change.) Let’s destigmatize mimes!
