On the brink of bankruptcy, the San Francisco Mime Troupe (SFMT) has made a comeback thanks to a grassroots campaign funded by private donors, and will now open for its 54th consecutive season.
The long-venerated San Francisco theater institution was in danger for the first time of not being able to bring its signature brand of “anything but silent” political comedy to audiences this summer.
Lawrence Helman, public relations representative for SFMT, said that “funding for non-profits and arts organizations is harder to secure.” Evaporating grant money has made it harder for the troupe to operate, said Helman.
One month was all it took for a large email list of performance art lovers to raise $43,000, enabling the “leaner, meaner” company of four actors and two musicians, to deliver the high standard of quality the troupe is known for.
“Oil and Water” are two different musical plays, entitled “Crude Intentions” and “Deal With the Devil,” which challenge the dangerous energy practices of big corporations.
The format this year has been adapted for a smaller company, and actor Mario Carbajal explained: “It allows (for) a more varied way to tell the story and can reach more people—it doesn’t demand the attention of one long play and gets down to the point, so you get to the meat of the story.”
Founded in 1959 by dancer and mime R.G. Davis, the SFMT delivers satire in a light-hearted, but informative way. In 1961, after being denied a permit to perform because of “obscenity,” a precedent-setting piece of legislation guaranteed the right of artists to perform uncensored in any City park. SFMT has been performing in parks across California every summer.
“I’m a firm believer in the magic of theater, serious subjects can be addressed and not land too heavy. When people laugh, they’re more open and will understand the core issues better.”
“Oil and Water” premiers Thursday, July 4 at Dolores Park in the Mission District. Music begins at 1:30 p.m. and the performance begins at 2 p.m. Visit www.sfmt.org for more information about future performances.