Manuscripts Record
Metadata
Catalog Number |
285.001 |
Title |
New Mime Circus |
Date |
1972-84 |
Scope & Content |
NEW MIME CIRCUS, 1972 to 1984 INVENTORY IN THE LCHSM ARCHIVES BINDERS AND ALSO IN FRONT OF THE FIRST BOX IN THE COLLECTION ---The New Mime Circus Theatre Ensemble began as an ad-hoc group in Spring 1972 for the purpose of performing pantomime sports spoofs relating to the Olympic trials then being held in Eugene. In fall of 1972, several of the spring performers were joined by others to form a continuing troupe under the New Mime title. Judith Barker Roberts was the founder and continued as the group's artistic director through the final production in 1984. Other founding members were James Aday, John Aden, Mary Beth Bowen and Richard Cave. Early in its history, NMC began using the spoken word as well as pantomime. Its performances ranged from informal clown skits and juggling in parks and the Eugene downtown mall to full-length plays performed in theatres, schools and art museums. Tours, beginning in 1977, took the group to other cities such as Albany, Corvallis, Salem, Portland and Seattle. Most plays were experimental or avant-garde and would not have been considered by a group performing for large audiences. Local productions were given primarily in the Community Center for the Performing Arts (W.O.W. Hall) and the Maude Kerns Art Center. Notable examples were "Creation of the World and Other Business" by Arthur Miller; and "Axolotl", an unusual combination of acting, costumes and sculpture which was performed at the University of Oregon Art Museum and received national recognition in OMNI magazine. The group also conducted a number of workshops for school children. Documentation of NMC's productions includes company publicity, media publicity, programs, reviews, photographs, correspondence, performance notes, etc. There are also files relating to founder and director Judith Roberts, including her previous acting career in the Boston area and her other activities in Eugene: and to other NMC members Donald and James Aday, John Aden, Richard Cave, Bill Lynch, Lawrence Schacknow, Carolanne Young and the musical group Mithrandir. Other files document administrative matters, including board minutes, correspondence, contracts and other financial matters. There is an extensive documentation of NMC's attempts, both successful and otherwise, to obtain grants from local, state and national sources. Notable examples are the free performances made possible by grants from the City of Eugene Room Tax Fund and the impressive brochure for "Axolotl", funded by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Oregon Arts Commission. A series of folders on other performing arts groups, including the Swiss "mummschanz", provides a context for NMC's activities and also documents its awareness of the field. |