Pantomime is a special kind of art, a peculiar way of communicating with the outside world and other people. Translated from the ancient Greek language, this word means "one who depicts everything." Thus, pantomime is a type of theatrical performance in which the main meaning of what is happening is conveyed by gestures, not words.
The origins of "silent" art
Such art arose in ancient times and was part of pagan rites and rituals. The pantomime theater appeared in the Roman Empire in the era of Augustus. Later, in troubled medieval times, the church introduced a ban on pantomime, but the latter continued to exist in the art of stray jugglers, mimes, minstrels and buffoons.
This form of art reached its peak in the Renaissance in an impromptu comedy del arte, staged by itinerant Italian actors. The first pantomime is a love (household) melodrama, a harlequinade, which by the 19th century has become the favorite genre of French booths.
Theater of New Time
As a theatrical ballet, pantomime first appeared in 1702 at the London Drury Lane Theater. Throughout the 18th century, it was performed as an interlude in the intervals of comedies and tragedies. As a pantomime dance became a part of the ballet drama by J. J. Nover.
As a separate variety show, the “silent” scene is actively developing in the music halls and miniature theaters of Europe in the late 19th century. Later, a pantomime school arose in Marseille, which was led by L. Ruff. For the first time, an actor is emerging on the stage of the London theater, who will eventually gain world fame, the best comedian of the silent genre, Chaplin. In Germany, M. Reinhardt was engaged in this type of art.
In the second half of the 20th century, a pointless pantomime appears - a peculiar story using non-existent, imaginary objects. The mime of our day must perfectly control his body. It should be universal: a juggler, an acrobat, a drama artist, and at the same time well versed in the language of ballet. Moreover, a good mime is, first of all, a philosopher who is able to lay down certain moods, thoughts, experiences in other people with the help of only gestures.
Types of Mime
There are several main types of "silent" art:
- dance (originated in the rites and rituals of ancient people, pagan tribes, is still preserved among many peoples);
- classical (the origins can be seen in the spectacles of ancient Greek and Roman civilizations; it harmoniously combines poetry, music and action);
- Acrobatic (includes juggling, jumping, various tricks; takes its roots from the oriental theater, is actively used in the circus);
- eccentric (used in the circus, it is based on some kind of comic situation, a special attribute is used in the scene).
The circus pantomime also includes battle, zoopantomime, water and adventure extravaganza with mass scenes and special effects. The latter is the highest level of skill.
There are two types of this type of art: solo pantomime - the work of one artist, and theatrical, with the participation of a team of actors, using scenery and script.
Mime genres
In its genre, pantomime is comedy, tragedy, go drama, fairy tale or myth, pamphlet or short story, pop miniature. In a word, everything is subject to it. Comedy is characterized by a satirical, humorous approach. The conflict or struggle of the characters is resolved specifically. The genius comedian-mime of all time is recognized by Ch. Chaplin. In tragedy, the plot ends in disaster. Tragic pantomime is marked by seriousness, expression of contradictions, and conflict.
A fairy tale and a myth, as a rule, narrate about some fictional characters and characters, often endowed with incredible abilities for magic and witchcraft. “Silent” production can also be in the nature of a pamphlet, expressing a denial of existing life principles, the political structure of the country, it can have features of mockery, exposure. In the case of the execution of the novel, the mime tells with gestures about a lyrical plot. It can be a pantomime - a game of one actor, or a whole collective of mimes.
Pantomime in Russia
Christmas time, various ceremonies, Shrovetide, as well as all kinds of fair theaters and clowning became the origins of "silent" art in Russia. At the beginning of the 20th century, dramatic pantomime appears in the work of contemporary directors - this is the “Crooked Mirror” by N. Evreinov, “Tears” by K. Marzhdanov, “The Box with Toys” by A. Tairov, “The Colombine Scarf” by V. Meyerhold.
The original principles of the old pantomime of the theater del arte were rethought, spilling out with something new, accompanied by reading poetry, music and choreography. In the mid 40-ies of the 20th century, this type of art fades, because the priority is the word - more understandable to the masses, requiring no guesswork. In circus numbers, talking clowns replaced the mimic comedians. Nevertheless, in the ballet pantomime truly blooms. There are choreodramas and drum ballet, which are based on "dumb" scenes, and not a pure dance.