Mummenschanz

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Mummenschanz is a unique Swiss pantomime troupe who perform a surreal mask and prop oriented style. Founded in 1972 by Bernie Schürch, Andres Bossard (August 9, 1944 - March 25, 1992) and the Italo-American Floriana Frassetto. The group became popular with its play with bizarre masks and forms, with light and shadow, and with their subtle choreography.

Contents 1 Ensemble 2 History 3 References 4 External links

[edit] Ensemble

• Floriana Frassetto (Italy/USA)
• Bernie Schürch (Switzerland)
• Raffaella Mattioli (Italy)
• Jakob Bentsen (Denmark)
• Ueli Riegg (Technical Director and lighting designer, Switzerland)

[edit] History

After studies (with Jacques Lecoq in Paris and Roy Bosier in Rome), and a three year period of experimentation the Mummenschanz Mask Theater was founded in 1972. In 1973, Mummenschanz toured the USA, Canada, and South America, and later enjoyed a three year run on Broadway (1977-79). They are known for having appeared as special guest stars on the last episode of the first season of The Muppet Show, which taped in November 1976. ^[1] They also appeared on 3-2-1 Contact in the 1980s. The troupe won the prestigious Rose d'Or for their TV production La Pomme in 1980.

In 1992, Andres Bossard, a founding member of the troupe, died of AIDS at age 47. Mummenschanz toured with American actor John Charles Murphy for the duration of 'Parade', their world tour beginning in 1995.

Their newest show is called 3x11 and presents the highlights of more than three decades of creative endeavors.

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• The official Mummenschanz webpage