One of the most famous mimes of all time was Marcel Marceau, a French actor famous in the 19th century. Watch this first video and you will see how he uses his face to create very clear emotions. Also notice how he looks towards very precise locations to let the audience know where the other imaginary characters are. You have to do some of the work yourself. You will find yourself at several points asking, "What is going on now? What is he meant to be doing?"
These next three clips show how different actors in various parts of the world use mime in their own way to tell a story and to entertain their audience. In what ways are they similar and in what ways are they different? Which style do you find most entertaining and why?
Mime is a dramatic art form that can be learned. As with any other task, the more you practice the better you will become. We will give some of these movements a try in class, but if you want to be a great mime, you will want to do these moves over and over and over again.