3.3.4 Pantomime
Pantomime is synonymous with mime. It is a term for silent acting; the
form of dramatic activity in silent motion, gesture, facial expression, in
which costume are relied upon to express emotional state or action. It
was popular in ancient Rome where it was a dramatic entertainment in
which performers expressed meaning through gestures accompanied by music.
It also refers to some traditional theatrical performances originally significant
gesture without speech, in mime, but now consisting of a dramatized fairy tale
or stories with music, dancing,
topical jokes and conventional characters frequently played by actors of
the opposite sex. It is chiefly performed in Britain around Christmas.
The actual pantomime opens on Boxing Day. Pantomime is also used to
dramatise absurd or outrageous behaviour.