If you are planning a visit to the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, you could check out if they are allowing access to a piece of theatrical history: a plaque dedicated to Irene Mawer.
In her hey-day, Miss Mawer was hailed as “The Great English Exponent of the art of mime.” This plaque depicts Mawer in her most celebrated role: Pierrot from the mime play, L’Enfant Prodigue.
L’Enfant Prodigue (The Prodigal Son) is a wordless play that achieved immense popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Originally a play with words, over the years it was changed into a silent play and gained great fame.
Mawer was a pioneering figure in the world of mime. Her presence at the V&A serves as a wonderful reminder of the power of non-verbal storytelling and the impact a single performer can have on an art form.
The plaque not only celebrates her skill but also reminds us of the significance of mime as a legitimate theatrical art.
So, if you are planning a visit to the V&A (old or new sites), before you go give them a call and ask about Miss Mawer’s plaque – a testament to a remarkable artist and a fascinating chapter in the history of performance.