In Greek pantomimes means the one who imitates something. In Spanish, a pantomime is a type of theatrical representation based on mime and, on the other hand, this word is used to refer to some type of farce, that is, a feigned action.
Pantomime in the performing arts
When we think of the theater we must bear in mind that there are very diverse types of theatrical manifestations, which is why the term performing arts is sometimes used. Among the forms of staging shows we can highlight drama, musical theater, cabaret, circus, puppet, concerts or dance. All of them are performed in a stage space. Pantomime is a subgenre of the performing arts. Its main characteristic is the resource of mimicry. The mime is the artist who expresses ideas and feelings through gestures and without resorting to words.
Pantomime as a subgenre of performing arts
In general, the mime acts alone and his body is the only vehicle of communication. The mime tells a story through its gestures and its movements. It is a tradition whose historical origin must be placed in ancient Greece. Since then, pantomime has evolved in different ways: in the form of drama or comedy, with an acrobatic and circus sense, or aimed at children in the British theatrical tradition. Likewise, pantomime has been adapted to other subgenres of the performing arts, such as vaudeville, burlesque or Italian comedy.
The character in a pantomime is a mime, but there are different ways to be a mime, such as a harlequin, a pierrot, a clown, using masks or with simple makeup. On the other hand, we must not forget that during the first decades of cinema, films were silent, which is why some famous characters (especially Charles Chaplin and Buster Keaton) based their interpretation on mime techniques.
This is a pantomime!
In ordinary language, the word pantomime does not always refer to the theatrical subgenre, but is used in a different sense. Thus, if someone exclaims that something is a pantomime, they are indicating that this something is related to some hoax, farce or manipulation. As is logical, the word pantomime is used in a derogatory sense, since it is intended to disqualify a situation or behavior. If someone is tried in an irregular manner and without due respect for judicial procedure, it is very likely that they will claim that the trial is a pantomime.
Photo: iStock – korionov
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