Pantomime

1. Pantomime

2. Definition • pan·to·mime • ˈpan(t)əˌmīm/ • noun • Adramatic entertainment, originating in Roman mime, in which performers express meaning through gestures accompanied by music • Acting without words

3. Not Mime. • What’s the difference? • Mime was an art form that originated in the ancient Roman times and later spread to Italy and France. • Pantomime is today performed in UK during Christmas and New Year. They are family comedies and contain loud performances. • Pantomime requires actors to wear masks to make it more difficult for them to express feelings. • Pantomime is also called panto to differentiate it from mime. • Pantomime is considered louder than mime. • Mime is the word used to refer to mime artists too.

4. In Rome • Ancient times • Usually solo • Male lead • Used masks to become different characters • Based on myth or legend • Love of Mars and Venus • Music provided by flute

5. In England • Evolution from Middle Ages to 17th century • Mummer’s play • English folk tales • Included masks and stage fights • Commedia dell’arte • Italian theatrical style • Stock characters • Slapstick

6. Pantomime Today • Style later evolved to include fairy tales we know today • Pantomime struggled in the mid to late 1800’s due to new theatrical explorations • Includes audience participation

7. In Practice • Use your 5 senses • Be specific • Let’s try a few… • Open a door • Pass an apple • Petting a dog • Smelling freshly baked cookies