theguardian.com
Annie Stainer, Celebrated Mime and Dancer, Dies at 79
Mime, clown, and dancer Annie Stainer died aged 79; known for her "Annie Stainer trilogy" of mime and dance pieces based on myth and performed globally; collaborated with David Bowie and Lindsay Kemp; founded the Total Theatre school in Perth.
- How did Stainer's collaborations with other artists shape her unique performance style?
- Stainer's career spanned decades, marked by collaborations with iconic figures like David Bowie and Lindsay Kemp. Her unique style, blending mime, dance, and storytelling, garnered critical acclaim and awards. Her influence extended to teaching, as evidenced by her founding of the Total Theatre school in Perth, Australia.
- What is the global significance of Annie Stainer's contribution to mime and physical theatre?
- Annie Stainer, a renowned mime, clown, and dancer, passed away at 79. She gained international recognition for her "Annie Stainer trilogy," a series of mime and dance pieces based on myth and archetypes of womanhood. Her work was performed globally, notably at the Cathedral of St John the Divine and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
- What is the lasting impact of Stainer's work on the field of physical theatre and future generations of artists?
- Stainer's legacy lies in her innovative approach to physical theatre, impacting generations of performers. Her contributions to mime and dance continue to inspire, as demonstrated by her enduring influence and the ongoing success of her Total Theatre school. Her planned 2026 production underscores her commitment to her art until her final days.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The obituary is framed positively, celebrating Annie Stainer's achievements and contributions to the arts. The focus is on her artistic accomplishments and the impact of her work, with details of her personal life serving to enrich this positive framing. The chronological structure reinforces the narrative of a successful and fulfilling life. While this framing presents a largely positive view, it is balanced with mentions of challenges and personal loss.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and objective. Words like "celebration," "spellbinding," and "haunting" are used descriptively but not in a way that distorts the facts or overly praises her work. The overall tone is respectful and appreciative, but not overly sentimental.
Bias by Omission
The obituary provides a comprehensive overview of Annie Stainer's life and career, but some minor omissions could be noted. While her collaborations with David Bowie and Lindsay Kemp are detailed, there is no mention of critical reception to her work beyond awards won. Further, while her family life is described, there's limited detail about her personal life beyond her immediate family. These omissions don't significantly detract from the overall picture, however, they might leave the reader wanting more context.
Sustainable Development Goals
Annie Stainer's extensive career in theatre and dance, coupled with her later role as head of movement at WAAPA and founder of the Total Theatre school, significantly contributed to arts education and training. Her work inspired numerous students and performers. The establishment of Total Theatre, which offered diverse theatrical training, further underscores this positive impact on arts education.