Mummenschanz is something you need to see to believe.
You might not recognize them by name, but if someone mentions to you, “that one skit from Sesame Street with the green clam thing” or “the group that was on the last episode of the first season of the Muppet Show” then you will remember who they are.
A silent theatre and performing arts troupe from Switzerland, Mummenschanz was created in 1972. Now, 50 years after its conception, the troupe is taking a celebration tour across the United States and Europe to perform a brand-new production, aptly titled “50 Years.” The group has been to Columbia before, so the Koger Center is ecstatic to host a homecoming of sorts for such a beloved group. “Mummenschanz came to Columbia in 1991 and 1993, and we’re really excited to bring them back,” Koger Center director Nate Terracio said. “It’s a sort of homecoming for us that we’re looking forward to, and it’s great that they’re coming back for such a landmark achievement.” The company is led by the remaining founder, Floriana Frassetto, amongst other Swiss talents. “50 Years” will start touring in New Jersey during mid-October and will conclude next June abroad in Germany. The New York Times has described the troupe as “witty madness...dazzling and delightful,” and it does not take too long to find out you agree with them.
Mummenschanz has cemented itself as one of the most avant-garde performing arts groups in history. Their unique stage direction and costumes bewilder audiences of all ages, often prompting the younger members to verbally respond to the performers, indicating all sorts of engagement and excitement. The silence of the performers beckons audience response as well, allowing the audience to fill in the gaps with their own sense of dialogue or story. The lack of dialogue does not mean that the performance lacks heart; it multiplies as the performance continues. The audience grows to feel attached to the Clay Faces, the Green Clam, and everything else in between. Mummenschanz gives a voice to the creative minds that may prefer to speak in silence.
Mummenschanz’s performance at the Koger Center for the Arts is on Friday, November 4, at 7:30 PM. Tickets are available for purchase in person at the Koger Center box office or online