Russian Mimes Return to Keep Seoul Laughing

A troupe of Russian comedians called Licedei has Korean audiences rolling in laughter at Towol Theater at the Seoul Arts Center. This is the group's second visit to Korea after successful sellout performances last year.

Licedei, which means clown in Russian, is a company of mimes that successfully combines comic and tragic elements in its show. This production will take you through a range of emotions from joy to sadness and anger and has already won considerable praise from viewers.

Licedei began performing at a small mime studio in St. Petersburg in 1968 and became well known after their participation in international events.

They performed at a festival in Berlin in 1990 to celebrate the fall of the Berlin Wall and in the cultural events program for 1992 Olympic Winter Games in Albertville, France.

They were praised as "living Charlie Chaplins," a high accolade for comedians, when their performance in Berlin was broadcast all over the world. Licedei's performance is not just simple comedy which forces laughter from the audience. There is humor here that works for people of all ages － humor that makes people look back over their lives because of its inherent pathos.

This year, Licedei presents 24 mime routines. The performance is complemented by lavish sets, a variety of props and cheerful music.

Some well-received mimes from last year's performance, such as "Blue Canary," "Magic Suitcase," "Flying Hat," "The Stick," "Country Wash-Ballet," "Thriller-Zombie," "The Seamen" and "Dance" will be repeated.

A fellow who fails in everything he does including attempts to put on a hat or a guy singing with a canary while keeping time with his feet are some of the best scenes in the show. Every seemingly trivial motion of the actors makes the viewers laugh.

At end of each performance, all the actors appear on the stage with colorful balloons inviting children from the audience to step up to the stage to have fun with them and giving adults a chance to relive their childhood.

Licedei performs twice daily at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., but at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Sunday. The performances will continue until Sunday. Tickets are 30,000 won ($24) and 20,000 won.

For more information, call 02-548-4480.

by Park So-young