Pantomime is a special way of communicating with the outside world

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

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, and not by words.

The origins of "silent" art

This art arose in ancient times and was part of pagan rites and rituals. The theater of pantomime appeared in the Roman Empire in the era of Augustus. Later, in the troubled medieval times, the church banned pantomime, but the latter continued to exist in the art of wandering jugglers, mimes, minstrels and buffoons.

This type of art reached its heyday in the Renaissance in impromptu commedia dell'arte, staged by itinerant Italian actors. The first pantomime is a love (everyday) melodrama, harlequinade, which by the 19th century had become the favorite genre of theater-booths in France.

Theater of the New Time

How theatrical ballet pantomime first appeared in 1702 at the London theaterDrury Lane. Throughout the 18th century, it was performed as an interlude in comedies and tragedies. How dance pantomime became part of J. J. Nover's ballet-drama.

As a separate pop number, the "silent" scene is actively developing in music halls and miniature theaters in Europe at the end of the 19th century. Later, a pantomime school arose in Marseille, headed by L. Ruff. For the first time, an actor who will eventually gain world fame, the best comedian of the silent genre, Ch. Chaplin, enters the stage of the London theater. In Germany, M. Reinhardt was engaged in this kind of art.

In the second half of the 20th century, non-objective pantomime appears - a kind of story using non-existent, imaginary objects. The mime of our day must have perfect control over his body. He must be versatile: a juggler, an acrobat, a dramatic artist, and at the same time be well versed in the language of ballet. Moreover, a good mime is, first of all, a philosopher who is able to instill certain moods, thoughts, experiences in other people with the help of gestures alone.

Types of pantomime

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 nations);

- classical (the origins can be observed in the spectacles of ancient Greek and Roman civilizations; poetry, music and action are harmoniously combined in it);

- acrobatic (includes juggling, jumping, various tricks; originates from oriental theater, is actively used incircus);

- eccentric (used in the circus, based on some kind of comical situation, special props are involved in the scene).

Circus pantomime also includes battle, zoo pantomime, water and adventure extravaganza with mass scenes and special effects. The last look is the highest skill level.

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.

Genres of pantomime

According to its genre, pantomime is a comedy, tragedy or 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. Ch. Chaplin is recognized as a brilliant comedian-mime of all time. In tragedy, the story ends in disaster. Tragic pantomime is marked by seriousness, expression of contradictions, conflict.

Fairy tale and myth, as a rule, tell about some fictional heroes and characters, often endowed with incredible abilities for magic and sorcery. A "silent" production can also be in the nature of a pamphlet, expressing a denial of the existing principles of life, the political structure of the country, it can have features of ridicule, exposure. In the case of the performance of the short story, the mime tells with the help of gestures about some lyrical plot. It can be a pantomime - the game of one actor, or a whole team of mimes.

Pantomime in Russia

Christmas, various rituals, carnival, 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 appeared in the work of modernist directors - these are N. Evreinov's "Crooked Mirror", K. Marzhdanov's "Tears", A. Tairov's "Toy Box", V. Meyerhold's "Colombina's Scarf".

The original principles of the old mime theater dell'arte were rethought, pouring out into something new, accompanied by poetry readings, music and choreography. In the mid-40s 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 performances, talking clowns have replaced mime comedians. Nevertheless, pantomime truly flourishes in ballet. There are choreodramas and drama ballets, which are based on "silent" scenes, and not pure dance.