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Who is Mummenschanz: The Swiss Mime Troupe

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Ranked #8,174 in Entertainment, #100,576 overall

Mummenschanz : Theatre of the Absurd

Mummenschanz is an amazing Swiss mime troupe that have been around since the seventies. Their creative approach with unexpected props make their performances extraordinary. With Mummenschanz, mime is so much more than a man in an invisible box. Sometimes the characters are so charming and interact with each other in such a way that you truly feel for them. The characters have so much personality and are preformed so precisely, that every show is sure to be an extraordinary experience.

Clay Masks

Watch how expertly the masks are manipulated throughout the sketch. The amount of practice it much have taken to perfect this routine just shows how much commitment they have to their craft. The clay masks characters have such personality in them!

The Official Site

Learn more about Mummenschanz on their official website:

MUMMENSCHANZ: Official Homepage: Tour schedule, photos, history, shop, ...

Playing with a Ball

Important!

Did You Know?

In 1977 Mummenschanz made it to Broadway. The show lasted three years there. That's longer than any show in history with no words or music!

Papers

It seems so simple. Just tear off the papers on the eyes and mouth to change expressions, right? No big deal, right? But just watch the endearing scene that unfolds. Mastering the timing for this routine was clearly no easy challenge.

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Mummenschanz

Mummenschanz 1972 - 1997

by: Flor Garduno, Guyette Lyr

Amazon Price: $54.93 (as of 05/26/2012)

Meet the Mimes

See the faces behind the masks

Want to see under the costumes as to who the mimes are? Kermit introduces you.

Expressions

The Muppet Show

Season One

Includes an entire episode with Mummenschanz!

The Muppet Show: Season One

Amazon Price: $19.99 (as of 05/26/2012)

Includes an entire episode with Mummenschanz including:
Mummenschanz- notepad faces
Mummenschaz - crawlies
Kermit "talks" to the Mummenschanz
Mummenschanz - clay faces.

Also includes episodes with: Charles Aznavour, Kaye Ballard, Candice Bergen, Ruth Buzzi, Phyllis Diller, Sandy Duncan, Bruce Forsyth, Joel Grey, Valerie Harper, Florence Henderson, Lena Horne, Harvey Korman, Rita Moreno, Jim Nabors, Juliet Prowse, Vincent Price, Avery Schreiber, Connie Stevens, Twiggy, Peter Ustinov, Ben Vereen, Paul Williams

Talk Time

Mummenschanz on the Muppet Show (1976) 3 of 5: by vreude | video info

102 ratings | 69,811 views

curated content from YouTube

Andres Bossard, Floriana Frassetto & Bernie Schürch

Mimes?

What do you think of mimes in general?

I love them!

KimGiancaterino says:

It's an interesting art form.

Dude says:

Awesome.

GrowWear says:

I love mimes! Thank you for the introduction to Mummenschanz!

Laura Denevan says:

I remember seeing them during the 70's not sure exactly, but I think they were on a variety show called "Sheilds & Yarnell". Which I also loved. I thought these guys were so creative and awesome. Glad to see they are still doing it.

Laura

Julia says:

awesomeneses with some foamingf epic on top

I Hate them!

GypsyPirate says:

I admit that I usually do not like mimes. But, Mummenschanz...well, that's a whole different story.

terrified of mimes says:

Mime is an art form, just not 1 I want harrassing me as I walk through a public park! My god mimes are creepy! these guys are awesome though. I say these guys should be the only mimes not locked up behind bars

Bashar says:

It really sucks

bechand says:

Im not a fan of mimes in general, but i vividly remember the Mummenschanz from the Jim Henson shows - i Loved them !!!

Spook says:

I much prefer mimics, assuming there's a difference

view all 14 comments

Body Forms

Mummenschanz on the Muppet Show (1976) 2 of 5: by vreude | video info

84 ratings | 61,437 views

curated content from YouTube

Mummenschanz Links

ViewImages.com: SYDNEY, NSW - JANUARY 31: A member of Mummenschanz performs during a rehearsal at the Sydney Theatre on January 31, 2006 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Patrick Riviere/Getty Images)

Inspired By Mummenschanz

This clip is not by one of the members of Mummenschanz, but rather another performer inspired by their style and technique. Imitation is the highest form of flattery.

Herr "Schuber" Maskentheater /(Mr. "Drawer") Mask Theatre: by lemppilo | video info

7 ratings | 5,966 views

curated content from YouTube

Mummenschanz Guestbook

Share your stories, sightings, thoughts, rants, raves...

Reply

GypsyPirate Sep 28, 2011 @ 7:42 am | delete

I'd forgotten just how much I loved these guys - thank you for that. (Oh, and including the Muppet stuff? Brilliant!)

Reply

KimGiancaterino Feb 21, 2011 @ 11:13 am | delete

Thank you ... I haven't seen Mummenschanz in ages. Blessed by an Entertainment > Performing Arts Squid Angel.

Reply

WordCustard Nov 16, 2010 @ 3:05 am | delete

I'd never seen Mummenschanz before. They are very clever and original!

Reply

bechand Sep 5, 2010 @ 3:09 pm | delete

Forgot them - but remembering them as something i loved watching !!!

Reply

rms Jan 27, 2010 @ 5:56 am | delete

This is terrific. I had forgotten all about Mummenschanz.

Reply

Waxing-Lyrical Jan 26, 2010 @ 10:26 pm | delete

Thanks so much for bringing Mummenschanz to my attention. Enjoyed reading about them.

Your lens is now featured at the Squid Who blog: http://squidwho.crabbysbeach.com/blogs/

Reply

dc64 Feb 3, 2009 @ 3:51 pm | delete

What a great lens. I'm lensrolling this to my court jester lens because it moves along a similar theme. Liked the videos, and you've got some great pics!