Troupers

Director: Glenn Silber, Claudia Vianello

Institute History

  • 1986 Sundance Film Festival

Description

Troupers is a stirring documentary about the San Francisco Mime Troupe, whose history reflects 25 years of social protest in America. This “Mime” troup isn’t of the silent, white-face variety. Rather, as the film invokes, the troupe’s unique performing style includes comedy, satire,drama, music and dance, all underscored by a fierce sense of history and political commitment.

Troupers is a comprehensive portrait of the group. It includes footage from the 60’s, featuring the now well-known Peter Coyote cavorting in false nose, having the time of his life as Moliere’s “The Miser.” Also included are scenes from the current Mime Troup’s touring production of “Steeltown” which they perform for out-of-work steelworkers. The filmmakers have the ability to stand back and let the subject speak for itself, and the Mime Troup has no problem thinking of anything to say. Troupers is an exuberant, entertaining and heartwarming film.

Screening Details

Credits

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