More than
words can say:
Mimes offer
different form of communication
Megan Kawa
Some say silence is
golden. Well, these 16 girls have
been able to perfect that concept, and they are not afraid to show it off. The Marian Pantomime Troupe, Mimes for
short, has the patience to say nothing and the skill to perform in public.
The Pantomime Troupe is the
only one existent in Omaha. According to Mimes coach, Mrs. Michelle Delisi, who
has been coaching and leading them for 25 years, the Mimes are able to do their
own thing. They "create and teach
each other themselves" through skits ranging from humorous to tragic.
One senior student director
of Mimes, Jamie Kwasnieski, said, "It's kind of like passing on stories." The mimes then, "make it their own
interpretation."
Their performances tend to vary. They used to perform twice a month, now
they just perform once every other month.
But that's not to say this troupe isn't wanted. About two shows are performed during
Christmas-time and around three to four times in the spring for banquets. They are invited to perform by various
community groups, organizations, and events such as the cub scouts and style
shows. Delisi said the "themes
lend themselves," to the concept of mimes. They volunteer for the shows, but
tend to receive donations, which are used to purchase costumes, make-up and for
their Christmas and end-of-year party.
During this school year so far, the Mimes have performed at the F.A.M.E.
Breakfast for the Arts, Marian's Open House, and at Methodist Hospital.
The Mimes have to be
considerably hard, dedicated workers.
They practice every Wednesday after school for 45 minutes from the
beginning of the school year through April. This gives them an opportunity to create, teach, and
memorize skits. Practices also
give the Mimes a chance to analyze themselves, as well as others. Delisi said, the mimes "are constantly
critiquing each other."
Tryouts are held at the
beginning of the school year. The
senior members teach the auditionees one or two skits, and then Mrs. Delisi
gives them an impromptu to perform. Delisi said, "I can teach anyone to be a
mime," but it depends on if, "they are going to be able to do it in public."
Mimes are able to tell if an
audience is able to understand their performance. If the audience doesn't laugh, they don't understand the
skit. The Mimes are than able to
correct their skits in order to "get the audience to respond...immediately," said
Delisi.
First year mime, sophomore
Christina Mason, said, "I like to act and it [mime] gives you a different
experience because it's a lot harder to act without words...it gives you better
acting experience."
The Mimes rule is clear:
when the white gloves are on, no sounds can be made from the mouth. Mason said it is sometimes difficult to
remain silent during performances, "because somebody forgets a part in the skit
or the audience would laugh and it's hard to keep quiet sometimes."
Delisi said, "Pantomime is
an awesome activity to have. A lot
of girls like to express themselves, but don't want to sing or play an instrument...it's
[pantomime] a neat art.