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Mime is not the only classical piece Jacobs can do.

To be a mime artist is a very complex and difficult work of art to put on, in a performance. Mimes tell the most amazing stories by portraying the story with only actions, no words. John Jacobs, a 52-year-old Classical Mime artist visited the Abraham Kriel Childcare home on December 13.

Jacobs putting on a show for the children.

Just a little history on Jacobs: He grew up in South Africa but now lives in France. He studied at the Marcel Marceaux School of Mime for 15 years as he attempted to perfect his art. Classical Mime is an art that is only performed in Europe, so Jacobs felt the need to show it to the children to prove to them that anything is possible.

He explained his story about how he never had the support of his parents as he was wanted to perfect his craft and that he did all on his own. He left South Africa and went to France to prove to himself that he was capable. Jacobs is the current gold medal reigning champion for 2016 and 2017 at the Yeangibaryan International Mime Festival and he said that next year he is going for the gold again.

John Jacobs during his performance of discovering fire.

He said, “This is a good opportunity for the children to learn something and show them that they can be like me and achieve. It is also an opportunity to encourage them as they are the future.” On stage with him as he performed was another performing artist by the name of Inge James. James teaches and trains the children in the performing arts.

At the end of Jacob’s performances he played the piano to a point, where he stopped, he inspired many children at the school to work hard on their craft. The children were so inspired some came back into the hall and began to play the piano and singing. He said that inspiring the children is the exact outcome he was hoping for.