1. Siddiquea Aktar Unit 2: Performance
Level 2 Higher Diploma Creative and MediaUnit 1: Scene
2.1.2a Research activity A
Student Book
pp 52–59
Make notes about your chosen form of performance.
What is your chosen form of performance? Mime
Beginning
How did your chosen form begin? It started as sign language and then evolved to
entertainment. The history of mime began with the Ancient Greeks and the Romans, where they
s
mimicked normal everyday situations in pantomime. It was not involved with storytelling as we
see it today. Miming in past history also involved using masks as part of their costumes and
show performances. This art form did not hit popularity in America until the 20th century. Once
in the country, American artists bought something new to the art. The new craze was focused
on bringing into the act dancing and acting while being silent. This was a significant distinction
between the past and the present day performers. Marcel Marceau revived the art of mime in
Changes over time
the 1940's and is where the Mime stereotype: white face paint, stripped shirt comes from.
List the features of the form when it began.
When you see a mime perform, the act is either a literal performance or an abstract
performance. These are the two main characteristics of this creative art form. A mime
performing a literal act is telling a story about a main character and the conflicts he is facing.
However, the artist tells the entire storyline through gestures and expressions. A performer
acting out an abstract scene will do so by acting out feelings, thoughts and images on and about
a particular subject matter. These styles of performance can be done as a combination or as a
single act using one or the other in a performance.
How is it different now?
With today's modern mime productions, this artistic form has been influenced by the days of
black and white film or the era of silent film. We in the 20th century have seen this particular
act noted in shows starring Red Skeleton. Though mime started out as a performance done on
the streets, and in the Greek and Roman arenas in the past, today it is now being performed in
theaters and churches across the nation. The new mime church troupes deliver a spiritual and
moral message to the believers.
© Pearson Education Ltd 2008. Copying permitted for purchasing institution only. This material is not copyright free. 1

2. Unit 1: Scene Creative and Media: Level 2 Higher Diploma
Unit 1: Scene
changes thatFactors
have
influenced For each factor that is relevant, give an outline of how it has influenced the development
of your chosen form.
1 Developing technology
the
Diploma Level 2 Information Technology
2 Social and cultural factors
3 Economic factors
2 © Pearson Education Ltd 2008. Copying permitted for purchasing institution only. This material is not copyright free.