Mummenschanz
Created by Floriana Frassetto,
Andres Bossard and Bernie Schürch
Directed by Laura Colby
at Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph (map)
thru Jan 19 | tickets: $10-$55 | more info
Check for half-price tickets
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Groundbreaking troupe celebrates 40 years
Mummenschanz Theatre Company presents
Mummenschanz
Review by Keith Glab
Forty years ago in Paris, a trio of experimental theatrical performers developed a groundbreaking new form of non-verbal theater. Mummenschanz is the name of this Switzerland-based Company, theatrical style, and play that is currently touring the world to commemorate its 40th anniversary. These performers transform ordinary objects such as clay, pipes, boxes, and wires into fantastical creatures.
It’s extremely difficult to describe the show. Mummenschanz opens with two performers in functional hand outfits (quite literally, the hands open the curtain). From there, four performers transform into approximately two dozen different beings. A yellow, worm-like creature slinks across the stage and plays catch with the audience using a giant balloon. A couple with faces made of toilet paper rolls flirt with each other, the paper becoming tears, a tongue, a bouquet, and more. Pac-Man-esque beings hunt for food with oversized tongues and giant blobs climb objects and shuffle into the first few rows of the audience. A couple with clay masks transform into various precise characters, uncannily altering their faces in seconds without being able to see what they are doing. Even a plain white rectangle of cloth becomes a character with ample personality.
They way in which these performers imbue non-anthropomorphic shapes with human traits and personality truly amazes. In some cases, you cannot even discern how the actors are contorted in their costume and forget for a minute that you are indeed watching people in a suit; the creature takes on a life of its own. The impeccable body control of the performers can’t be overstated, and special props go to co-founding member Floriana Frassetto, who still performs in her physically demanding shows after 40 years.
One of the trademarks of the company’s creation is the lack of music or spoken word. This is presumably done to heighten the focus on character development through movement alone. I can’t help but think that some music would not detract from their original vision, and that the proper music could even heighten it. In a way I don’t need to postulate, as Cirque du Soleil and Blue Man Group both heavily incorporate music, and their origins are clearly seen in Mummenschanz. In terms of movement and personality, neither of those shows can compare to the artistry and innovation of Mummenschanz, but it’s hard to argue with the success of Blue Man Group and its stimulation of multiple senses.
Despite the slower pace, Mummenschanz never fails to compel or impress. Perhaps after 40 years, it could evolve to include music and improve on an already terrific show, but it certainly doesn’t require enhancement. This show is ideal for cultivating imagination in children and should be required viewing for serious theatrical performers everywhere.
Rating: ★★★
Mummenschanz continues through December 19th at Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph (map). Tickets are $10-$55, available by phone (312-344-7777) or through HarrisTheaterChicago.org (check for half-price tickets at Goldstar.com). More information at Mummenschanz.com. (Running time for regular performance is 2 hours; Family Series performance is 1 hour in length.)
Photos courtesy of Mummenschanz Theatre Company
artists
cast
Floriana Frassetto, Phillipp Egli, Raffaella Mattioli, Pietro Montandon
behind the scenes
Laura Colby (director); Jan Maria Lukas (technical director, lighting); Markus Simmen (company manager); Heier Lämmler (creative consultant)
13-0124
