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"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"--
List of contents
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
