Few people have heard of it, yet many consider John Blankenbaker's KENBAK-1 to be the first commercial personal computer.
Mummenschanz Mime Troupe
By bohus
Mummenschanz is a mime troupe that I remember seeing often on TV in the 70's and 80's. I was awed then as I am awed now (and am no closer to understanding some of their amazing contortions, and breathtaking body control), but I never appreciated how well they work on television.
The above clip is from The Muppet Show performing an act I don't remember seeing before. I recall their appearances on children's programs like Sesame Street and Captain Kangaroo - as well as evening TV fare like Johnny Carson. Mommenschanz are able to throw off the stuffy image of performance art and mime, creating personal performances perfect for the video age.
They often performed with elaborate costuming (I remember the tremendous sight of an impossibly flexible corrugated tube playing with a ball) or masks made out of household objects. Visually they strike me as a sort of progenitor to Blue Man Group, just a lot quieter. Mummenschanz continue to perform around the world more than 30 years after their foundation.
