Towards a Theory of Mime

Towards a Theory of Mime is a genuinely unique book about non-verbal communication and performance. Combining a broad global history of the evolution of human communication with an introduction to the general practice of mime, Alexander Iliev traces a lineage from Marceau and Barrault to his own distinguished practice as performer and teacher.

The book moves from a fascinating description of the first principles of gestural language to a stunning sequence of specific exercises in practical training.

Written in a sometimes poetic, always accessible and often humorous style, Towards a Theory of Mime conveys complex ideas in a strikingly accessible way.

"Towards a Theory of Mime is a genuinely unique book about non-verbal communication and performance. Combining a broad global history of the evolution of human communication with an introduction to the general practice of mime, Alexander Iliev traces a lineage from Marceau and Barrault to his own distinguished practice as performer and teacher. The book moves from a fascinating description of the first principles of gestural language to a stunning sequence of specific exercises in practical training. Written in a sometimes poetic, always accessible and often humorous style, Towards a Theory of Mime conveys complex ideas in a strikingly accessible way"--

Autorentext

Alexander Iliev

Inhalt

Preface to the Routledge Edition

Dedication

List of Figures

List of Illustrations

PART I: MOVE AND ACT

Preface

Introduction

Nonverbal Communication

Theory Of Pantomime

Theory Of Improvisation

Six Original Articles

"Mimics Or Mask"

"Theater Of The Open Square"

"Pantomime In The Film Frame"

"Determining The Dimensions Of Space (Elaboration on the System of

Etienne Decroux)"

"The Knight Of The Blue Flag"

"Introduction To Theater Anthropology"

Conclusion

PART II: ACTION AND INACTION

Physical Exercise Sequence

General warm-up

Partial warm-up

Balances

Warm-up variations

Yoga

Exercise with staff

Physical Studies

Pantomime Exercise Sequence

Work with imaginary objects

Actual pantomime technique

Simple pantomime techniques

Combined pantomime techniques

Pantomime Studies

Techniques of Group Pantomime

Creating an Original Etude

Performance topics

Script technique

Pure pantomime

Adaptation for pantomime

Analysis of the epos of Gilgamesh

The etude as a stage act

Techniques of plastic transformation

Specifics of the mono-etude

Work on classic pantomime scripts

Specifics of the group pantomime etude

Creating A Pantomime Miniature And Mime-Drama

Conclusion

APPENDICES

APPENDIX A. Bibliography of basic literature

APPENDIX B. Letters of endorsement

APPENDIX C. Contributor biographies