1st Edition

Towards a Theory of Mime

By Alexander Iliev Copyright 2014
    314 Pages 50 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    314 Pages 50 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    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.

    Alexander Iliev has over forty years experience practising and teaching both theatre and anthropology around the world. He is currently Associate Professor at the National Academy in Sofia.

    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

    Biography

    Alexander Iliev