Mime Troupe Opens Theatre Festival

"There is no set definition of mime," said one member of the Great Salt Lake Mime Troupe. "This show is one definition of ours and it's always changing."

The Mime Troupe is only one example of what can be seen this weekend during the International Festival of Experimental Theater. Opening the Festival, the Troupe is one of six "fringe" companies invited to participate, along with five professional and eight University companies.

The group prides itself on performing based on the situation, doing anything from a cabaret circus to a high energy street corner celebration.

"The Troupe is currently working toward an increased flexibility, where all members may take on any number of self-defined roles and duties, exchanging places as needs and whims dictate," explained general manager Mark Nelson.

From Ann Arbor, the Utah-based group travels to the Holland Mime Festival, where they have been invited to perform in several Dutch cities.

"We're going to take it and go with it, don't know where it will lead," Nelson commented.

While the Great Salt Lake Mime Troupe is already heading away from American shores, their performance does lead off a weekend of intriguing theater. For details of time and place see the Calendar