Two mimes battle over the same easel to hang their piece at Art Everywhere in Norfolk.

Mimes

When I was asked to put together a musical short for Art | Everywhere I was excited, overwhelmed, and nervous.  I’ve never busked before and am an extremely shy individual, so the idea of doing something in public was a terrifying thought to me.  Also, I only had a little over a week to pull this off. I was very apprehensive about posting my idea out on the inter-web. Even though I found the thought of mimes throwing hands amusing, I wasn’t sure anyone else would.

The first person I asked for help was Jaime Simpson, someone I’d never met before, but saw a video demonstration she was giving on salsa dancing posted on AltDaily. I’m not big on asking for help because I feel like I’m being a pest, and on this particular occasion I wasn’t sure how she’d respond to some random citizen asking if she wanted to be my partner in mime. Well as April 23rd approached I hadn’t had much response, only two people, Jaime and  Julia, but Julia wasn’t able to perform on the 30th (we’ll have to get you in on the next one.)  I was a bit discouraged walking back to my car, but alas an email from Colin expressing that he and “Guerrilla” Will were interested lifted my spirits. My dreams of monochromatic mayhem where coming true. So, we all meet up at Kerouac Cafe where I was introduced to Diane, and we all put together “Mime Fight”. All I had was an idea and these three people helped turn it into something righteous. The lessons I took from this experience are: don’t be afraid to ask for help, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, and ain’t nothin’ wrong with actin’ a fool in public…as long as its orderly.

So 1,001 thank yous to Colin Kauflin, “Guerilla” Will Riddick, Jamie Simpson, and Diane Sokolowich–I couldn’t have done this without you.  Thank you Neleh for spreading the word and introducing me to Colin and Will, thank you DJ Cornbread for allowing me to apply my shenanigans to your “out-a-sight” music, thank you Kerouac Cafe for letting us rehearse in your establishment, thank you Alea and Lurea for being our last minute DJ’s, thank you Video-Gang at 145 Granby for letting us post up in front of your installation, thank you Jennida and Hassan for filming, and thank you Art | Everywhere and AltDaily for just being you.

Cast:
Colin Kauflin
Alea Silver
Lurae Patton
Shanika Smiley

Choreography:
Colin Kauflin
Will Riddick
Jaime Simpson

Music:
“let’s get it poppin’ ”
The Playground is Up the Street
by DJ Cornbread
djcornbread.bandcamp.com

Special Thanks:
Diane Sokolowich
Neleh Sawsiensmongkol
Jennida Chase
Hassan Pitts
Kerouac Cafe
Art Everywhere”