'Wanderer, ' a Journey in Mime
Steve Parks

Rajmund Klechot, for 30 years an artist in the centuries-old Polish tradition of theatre, has a lot to say - in movement gesture and contenance.

Of his two-hour solo work, Klechot writes: "The Wanderer's journey is that of each man and Everyman. He is the archetype, an abstract concept. But he is also you and me, and the reality of all experience."

This universality - not only among Homo-Sapiens, but in our species' connection to nature and the cosmos - is the unspoken sense of Klechot's exquisite performance. But words only trivialize his nonverbal gift. If it were translated into spoken theater, "The Wanderer" might comprise a prolific playwright's life work.

Throughout "The Wanderer's" four acts - comprising character sketches Klechot calles etudes - the actor accomplishes his mute expressiveness by alternating staccato movements with flowing slow motion. He amplifies his body language with gestures of the hands that seem to sculpt the air, while his face reflects the marvel at what only his character can see.

Accompanying each etude is a splendid music and sounds effects assembled by Andrzej Anweliler, and mostly understated costumes - "The Soldier" is an exception - by Liliana Jankowska. "The Wanderer" is a mime masterpiece, and Klechot its master.

Thanks Mr. Klechot for a Great Performance

To the editor:
   I want to thank Rajmund Klechot for providing a superb performance of silent acting recently at Saint Barnabas Episcopal Church. He is a wonderful resource to our community. He has performed widely in Europe and America for many years, and brings world class talent to our city.
   Most of us may not have known quite what to expect from a "silent actor". What we received was a powerful and universal creation of meaning and emotion that transcends mere words. Through the use of both facial and body expression, Mr. Klechot portrayed the full range of human experience--quiet pleasure, arrogance, grief, and hope. A musical accompaniment added expertly to the effect.
    I hope he will perform often in our area. It is an experience not to be missed.
   Dr. Betsy Hess
    Senior Warden
    St. Barnabas Episcopal Church

Elise H. Lieber - public relations

Dear Mr. Klechot:
On behalf of the Rockville Centre Public Library and the enthusiastic Standing Room Only audience who were fortunate enough to have been able to be present at your program yesterday afternoon I offer my sincere thanks! Your presentation of "The Art of Mime" was truly an educational/cultural/entertaining experience of high artistic merit.

We were all especially moved by the professional, yet warmly appealing manner in which you responded to the questions and comments from the men and women after your marvelous "formal" performance part of the afternoon. You selections were well-balanced and included an interesting variety of subject matter and techniques.

Best wishes for continued success in bringing so much genuine pleasure to your audiences throughout the United States.

Cordially,

Elise H. Lieber

Yale University
School of Drama

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing in order to recommend to you Mr. Rajmund Klechot both as a performer of mime and as a teacher.

We have presented Mr. Klechot. He is an accomplished mime. His creations are witty, intelligent, drawn from his own searching observations of being human. They are also executed with a seamless precision.

In addition, Mr. Klechot has conducted workshops in mime techniques for our actor over the last three years. His command of the craft is immediately known by observing these workshops; from simple warm-up exercises to a detailed gesture to a complex mime pattern he involves the students in the work of the mime. He does not teach by demonstrating, but by leading and by stimulating the individual's imagination. He communicates simply and directly.

Finally, as a person, Mr. Klechot is a warm and generous teacher. He loves his art and communicates that feeling to his students.

I recommend Mr. Klechot without reservation and would be willing to provide more comment on his work as a teacher or performer upon your request.

Sincerely,

Earle R. Gister
Associate Dean
Yale School of Drama