Words and phrases are probably the easiest ways to get a message across, in the world of theatre. But Vinod Kumar, a young lad from Bengaluru, is managing to grab attention without words, but actions instead – through the art of miming! For him, expressions come easily in the white face and striped clothing! In conversation with the professional mime, we get a better sense of this lesser known theatre form…
The silent art form which only uses body movements and expressions to get a point across, certainly sounds like a tough one! “I have been a huge fan of Charlie Chaplin and Mr Bean for as long as I can remember and both of them told stories without words. I think that’s where my interest sprouted from. And then later I was exposed to Marcel Marceau, the most famous mime of all time who was and continues to be my biggest inspiration,” says the 31 year old who has been practicing the art for almost 11 years now! “What appeals to me the most is how instantaneously the audience gets involved thanks to the get up. And before the skit is over, everybody is already guessing the end of the story,” reveals Vinod, who tries to stay as busy as possible.
But since this art form is lesser known than spoken word theatre drama, what is the most challenging part of what he does? “When we call for auditions, the responses are indeed lesser as people are unsure of how to express things without words and dialogues. It is complicated and requires better understanding of the self first, along with loads of practice, of course!” says Vinod, who has also founded his own theatre group for mimes. And now, in order to bring about an edge in performances, Vinod has even come up with the concept of mime improv! “We establish scenarios and invite members of the audience on stage to enact certain instances along with us, to keep interest and excitement level high.
When they enact circumstances, we react and compliment their moves in the best way possible which makes it so much more engaging and fun,” admits the mime guru who works full time at an MNC along with doubling as a facilitator at an NGO!
