Dutch Mime

Dutch mime is a vibrant and innovative branch of contemporary theatre that originated in the 1960s and challenges the audiences perception and experience by centering on the bodies and movement of performers and audiences in relation to scenography, time, and space. It has generated innovation and upheaval in Dutch and international theatre and this is the first full-length monograph on its history.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 350 pages
Publication date: 02 September 2022
Publisher: Amsterdam University Press

Dutch mime is a captivating and groundbreaking realm of contemporary theater that emerged from the fringes of the theatrical establishment in the early 1960s, transcending its literal pantomime roots. In this Dutch tradition, mime takes center stage, challenging audiences' perceptions and experiences by emphasizing the bodies and movements of performers and audiences in relation to scenography, time, and space. Dutch mime artists and makers are visionaries, driven to forge new paths from scratch, working in empty spaces where nothing is predetermined and no rules are set in stone. Since the 1960s, interdisciplinarity has been at the heart of its evolution, making it a theater practice that thrives on connections with visual arts, sculpture, music, installation, land art, literature, architecture, technology, and film.

Over the years, Dutch mime has sparked innovation and upheaval in Dutch and international theater, leaving an indelible mark on the artistic landscape. However, until now, its rich history has remained largely untold. This book aims to bridge that gap. It delves into and elucidates the specific embodied knowledge that has been a defining characteristic of the Dutch mime tradition since the 1960s.

The book explores the origins and evolution of Dutch mime, tracing its roots back to the early 20th century when it emerged as a form of experimental theater. It examines the influence of avant-garde movements, such as Dadaism and Surrealism, on the development of mime, as well as the contributions of pioneering mime artists like Jan Fabre and Jacques Lecoq.

The book also delves into the unique characteristics of Dutch mime, such as its emphasis on physicality, expressiveness, and the exploration of the human condition. It discusses the use of masks, costumes, and props in mime, as well as the techniques employed by performers to convey emotions and ideas without words.

Furthermore, the book explores the impact of Dutch mime on contemporary theater practices and the wider cultural landscape. It discusses the influence of Dutch mime on other forms of performance, such as dance and performance art, as well as its role in shaping public discourse and social issues.

In conclusion, Dutch mime is a vibrant and dynamic field of contemporary theater that has undergone significant transformation over the decades. This book offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of its history, highlighting the unique embodied knowledge that has defined the Dutch mime tradition since the 1960s. It is a valuable resource for theater practitioners, academics, and anyone interested in the evolution of performance art.

Dimension: 240 x 170 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789048558131