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The Mime

by Jean Dorcy, and essays by Etienne Decroux, Jean-Louis Barrault, and Marcel Marceau. Translated from the French by Robert Speller, Jr. and Pierre de Fontnouvelle
(also later translation by Robert Speller, Jr. and Marcel Marceau)

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"The Mime", in this book, refers to the art, and "the mime" to the performer. The art is, in this case, the Modern Mime in particular. Beginning with the transition in the actor's art from the stylized forms of melodrama to naturalism, Jean Dorcy follows the search for a return to skilled physical expression on the stage. This search begins in Paris at Jacques Copeau's Ecole du Vieux-Colombier, and continues through the work of Etienne Decroux, Jean-Louis Barrault, and others to the early years of Marcel Marceau's career.

Dorcy carefully distinguishes the modern art of Mime from the Mime of ages past, and eloquently defines its components (including gesture, attitude, and movement). He speaks of the dancer, the clown, and the speaking actor, and compares and contrasts them with the mime actor.

This mid-twentieth century examination of the birth of Modern Mime in France as a new art form includes essays by "the father of Modern Mime", Etienne Decroux, the famous French stage and screen actor Jean-Louis Barrault, and the world-famous master Mime performer Marcel Marceau.

Originally published 1961
Approx. 125 p. with 25 b/w photos

Version française du livre