Mummenschanz on The Muppet Show (1976)

In 1976, the experimental Swiss mime and mask theater troupe Mummenschanz created a series of skits for episode 124: of The Muppet Show.

“Kermit introduces the Mummenschanz, an act as difficult to describe as to pronounce. For their first act, they wear masks with different facial expressions drawn on. As the story progresses, they tear away pieces of the mask or draw on the mask, revealing new expressions.”

Founded in 1972 by three young actors, Bernie Schürch, Andres Bossard, and Floriana Frassetto, Mummenschanz was famous for their wordless and quirky, yet emotive performances. From their site:

“The name ‘Mummenschanz’ is a combination of ‘Mummen,’ meaning to conceal or to mask (similar to the English ‘mummer‘), and ‘Schanz,’ a play on ‘chance.'”

Watch more videos about: communication, emotions, muppets, puppets, and more, including:
• Three classic “Muppet Hands” films
• Señor Wences on the Ed Sullivan Show (1966)
• Orange Cat is Fascinating at the Bob Baker Marionette Theater
• The giant tap dancing noses of Shostakovich’s ‘The Nose’
• The Butterfly Life Cycle with puppeteer Hobey Ford