PANTOMIME DEFINITION pantomime pantmm noun A dramatic entertainment

PANTOMIME

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

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.

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

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

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

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