Ancient Roman Pantomime: Echo and Narcissus

 Ancient Rome

Question

What aspect of Roman history got your attention? Why?

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Ancient Roman Pantomime: A Case Study

Narcissus: An Ancient Roman Pantomime | WSKG Arts (min. 18:06)

WSKG Arts, composer Santino DeAngelo and the Tri-Cities Opera present the re-telling of the classic tale of Narcissus. This hour long program features an original score written by DeAngelo, three separate acts featuring pantomime artist Doug Baum and a behind the scenes look at how this massive production was put together. 

Question

How effective was the use of pantomime in telling the story of Narcissus? Explain

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About Narcissus

In Greek mythology, Narcissus was a hunter from Thespiae in Boeotia who was known for his beauty. According to Tzetzes, he was a Laconian hunter who loved everything beautiful. Narcissus was proud, in that he disdained those who loved him, causing some to take their own lives to prove their devotion to his striking beauty. Narcissus is the origin of the term narcissism, a fixation with oneself and one's physical appearance or public perception.

Several versions of the myth have survived from ancient sources. The classic version is by Ovid.

Ovid was a Roman poet who lived during the reign of Augustus. He was a contemporary of the older Virgil and Horace, with whom he is often ranked as one of the three canonical poets of Latin literature. 

Echo and Narcissus is found in book 3 of his Metamorphoses (completed 8 AD); this is the story of Echo and Narcissus.

One day Narcissus was walking in the woods when Echo, an Oread (mountain nymph) saw him, fell deeply in love, and followed him. Narcissus sensed he was being followed and shouted "Who's there?". Echo repeated "Who's there?" She eventually revealed her identity and attempted to embrace him. He stepped away and told her to leave him alone. 

She was heartbroken and spent the rest of her life in lonely glens until nothing but an echo sound remained of her. Nemesis (as an aspect of Aphrodite), the goddess of revenge, noticed this behavior after learning the story and decided to punish Narcissus. 

Once, during the summer, he was getting thirsty after hunting, and the goddess lured him to a pool where he leaned upon the water and saw himself in the bloom of youth. Narcissus did not realize it was merely his own reflection and fell deeply in love with it, as if it were somebody else. Unable to leave the allure of his image, he eventually realized that his love could not be reciprocated and he melted away from the fire of passion burning inside him, eventually turning into a gold and white flower.

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Marcel Marceu 

Marcel Marceau (1923-2007) was born in Strasbourg, France. He became one of the most famous mimes in the world. He created his own school, Compagnie de Mime Marcel Marceau, in 1948, for the development of the mime arts. Bip, was the white-faced character, based on the French Pierrot, he played on stage and screen.

 Marcel Marceau: Life & Work (until min 10:00)

 

Modern Pantomime

Mime is a form of silent art that involves acting or communicating using only movements, gestures, and facial expressions. A person performing mime is also called a mime. ... As spoken language developed, these gestures and facial expressions were retained as a form of simple entertainment.to act a part with mimic gesture and action usually without words. transitive verb

 Similarly, while traditional mimes have been completely silent, contemporary mimes, while refraining from speaking, sometimes employ vocal sounds when they perform. Mime acts are often comical, but some can be very serious.

Question

How is pantomime different or similar to dance? Explain 

Activity

Choose a fairy tale and tell it in mime.

 Five things to remember when performing a mime.

• Facial Expression. ...
• Clear Actions. ...
• Beginning, Middle, End. ...
• Directing Action to Audience. ...
• No Talking.