Mimes

/maɪmz/ noun

Definition

performers who act out stories or situations without speaking, using only body movements and facial expressions to communicate.

Etymology

From Latin 'mimus,' from Greek 'mimos' meaning 'imitator.' Originally a type of ancient theater performance, now associated with silent comedians who use exaggerated gestures.

Kelly Says

Ancient mime was crude and bawdy theater—nothing like the refined, sad-faced characters of modern street mime—and the reinvention shows how art forms change completely in meaning while keeping their name.

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