The Art Of Mime ‒ Culture Or Cult? ‒Part 1
- Feb 21, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 4, 2025
Written by: Daevion Markell Smith, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Mime Artists are people who have the ability to imitate any kind of object, person or animal. They can be divided into two groups: physical mimes and verbal mimes. Physical mimes imitate objects such as a cup, a chair or an object by using their hands and feet. Verbal mimes imitate words, phrases or even sentences by using their voice only.
Mime has been practiced in many countries across the world since its inception but today it is mainly practiced in France where many famous artists have contributed to this art form like Marcel Marceau (1926-2009), Eugenio Barba (1899-1953) etc., In India too there are several artists who practice this art form like Shambhu Maharaj (1928-2014), Raju Shambhu Maharaj etc., There are also several organizations that promote this art form across different parts of the world and several professional companies that provide training programs for aspiring artists so that they can learn how to properly mimic things without actually moving their bodies at all.
Origin
The origin of mime is not known for sure but it is believed that it was born in ancient Egypt around 2000 BC when the priests used to perform religious ceremonies through miming gestures and movements instead of speaking out loud. In ancient Greece, another country where this art was developed, it was considered as an art form in its own right and some great Greek playwrights wrote plays which were performed through miming gestures only like ‘The Persians’ by Aeschylus (525-456 BC) and ‘The Oedipus’s Tangle’ by Sophocles (496-406 BC). The word ‘mime’ is derived from the Greek word mimos, which means ‘imitation’ while the word ‘actor’ comes from Latin meaning speaker/orator/person who speaks something out loud without actually moving his body at all. The art of mime is used to express emotions without using words. It was a very popular form of theatre in the classical period. Mimes were usually performed by men but women also took part in this type of theatre.
The Connection
Mimes are often confused with clowns because they both use props and facial expressions to create humor, but there are some differences between them. Clowns use their props to make people laugh while mimes use their props to express an emotion or idea that they want to convey through their acting. For example, a mime may hold a prop such as a cup or stick for emphasis when he wants you to understand that he is thirsty or hungry. Another difference between these two types of actors is that mimes do not speak while performing on stage whereas clowns do speak during their performances.
There are many different types of mimes including physical comedy, character comedy and straight acting. One of the most unique forms of mime is known as Gospel Mime where performers act out scenes from the Bible or gospel music using only body movements and gestures without any dialogue. This type of gospel mime has become very popular over the years especially among african american churches across the world because it allows church members who may not be able to read or understand scripture due to language barriers or illiteracy can still participate fully in church services through visual interpretation instead.
The main goal behind creating this form of gospel theatre was so that all could enjoy God’s Word regardless if they could read it or not because it allowed them access into God’s world through images rather than words alone. In order for someone who cannot read scripture easily like an immigrant/refugee/asylum seeker etc… you need something visual like a play so that people can relate what they hear with what they see on stage instead reading something written down which most likely will be gibberish due to monolingualism.
Daevion Markell Smith, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Daevion Markell Smith, a nationally awarded mime artist and internet sensation, has entranced global audiences with his distinct fusion of physicality and digital charisma. Serving as the president of DMS Studios, Smith not only reimagined the realm of mime ministry but also revolutionized its digital consumption. Born on September 28, 2001, in Southern Virginia, Daevion's accelerated growth and passion for the arts were evident from an early age, noticed by his mother. At four years old, he ventured into mime ministry at City of Refuge Kingdom Church.
During first grade, he showcased his mime skills at the annual Christmas concert, and later attended the [ODC] Old Donation Gifted School Dance Program (now known as Brickell Academy for Advanced Academics and Arts). With a natural inclination for physical expression, he refined his abilities through years of dedicated practice. He has earned recognition and was awarded at the National Association for the Study and Performance of African American Music (NASPAAM).
Continuing his artistic journey, Daevion engaged in various activities, joining DECA at local, state, and national levels, alongside appearances in productions like "Freedom Day" with Elijah Coles-Brown and the YouTube series "The Bro Code" with Lance Everett, Adam Lee Henderson, Tyrell Morris, & Ryan Williams. Recognizing the potential of social media, he harnessed platforms to connect with a broader audience, releasing popular mime videos on his YouTube channel.
His expressive prowess resonated with viewers globally, leading to his role as Melvin Weathers on TV One's syndicated true crime series, "Payback." Additionally, Daevion became a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, serving as VP, Community Service for American Military University – American Public University System. He also holds membership in the National Society of Leadership & Success and was initiated into the Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International.
As the president of DMS Studios, Smith goes beyond traditional mime performances, showcasing innovation and creativity. From his humble beginnings as a mime artist to leading DMS Studios, Daevion Markell Smith continues to inspire others with his unique talent and unwavering dedication to pushing artistic boundaries.
