Mime performance is a form of silent art that involves acting or communicating using only movements, gestures, and facial expressions. But do mimes use props in their act, and is it allowed?
The quick answer is yes and no. It all depends on how do you define the concept of mime. You see, many people are confused by the difference between mime and pantomime. It is an unformal rule that a mime artist uses only his face, hands, and body to communicate – no sound effects, music, or props are used. Pantomime, on the other hand, can use scenery, props, sound effects, and costumes – basically everything except any verbal communication.
Many people associate mime with French culture. However, mime is an ancient art that dates back to the early Greeks and Romans. The art form was called “hypotheses” in ancient Greece. The ancient actors wore masks and performed stories of everyday life for the audience, sometimes by the thousands. Roman and Greek pantomimes also integrated dance into their performances.
Contemporary mime, mainly the French and Italian schools, evolving from the ancient Greeks before it, is a theatrical medium or performance art that involves acting out a story through body motions, without the use of speech. If you would ask one of the French schools of mime “do mimes use props” – the answer would be a frowning NO!
The Oriental – and more basic – style of pantomime, however, is something that today will be considered on the border of “not being a mime at all”. It is very elaborate and includes the use of wigs, detailed makeup, props, and music. Usually, it involves the portray of characters familiar to the audience and may include exciting gymnastic movements.
So while in general classical mimes will not be using props in their act, there are performances in which the artist will choose to use props. And at the end, in art, there is no right or wrong.