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 church continued to exist in the art of stray jugglers, mimes, minstrels, and buffoons.
This type of art reached its heyday during the Renaissance in an impromptu comedy del arte, staged by wandering 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, it became part of the J. J. Nover ballet drama.
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. A pantomime school later emerged 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 origins 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 involved 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 her. Comedy is characterized by a satirical, humorous approach. The conflict or struggle of the characters is resolved specifically. The ingenious comedian-mime of all time is recognized by Ch. Chaplin. In tragedy, the plot ends in disaster. The tragic pantomime is marked by seriousness, expression of contradictions, 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, may have features of mockery, exposure. In the case of the execution of the short story, the mime tells with the help of 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, a dramatic pantomime appears in the work of modernist directors - this is a “Crooked Mirror” by N. Evreinov, “Tears” by K. Marzhdanov, “A Box with Toys” by A. Tairov, “Columbine 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 rooms, talking clowns replaced the mimic comedians. Nevertheless, in the ballet pantomime truly blooms. There are choreodramas and drama ballet, which are based on "dumb" scenes, and not a pure dance.