One of the most famous French performers is back on a Parisian stage at age 74. The Mime Marceau, famous in his own country and abroad thanks to the obvious universality of his theatrical language, is performing two different shows at the Espace Pierre Cardin for a limited run, before heading for a world tour that will stop by the United States.

Marcel Marceau started an acting career in 1944 but entered the world of mime by creating his now famous character of Bip in 1947. Bip, with his striped jersey and his flowered-hat, has been familiar to audiences worldwide and celebrates this year the 50th anniversary of his creation. Marceau has performed all around the world, making his American debut in 1955. Marceau also appeared in some Hollywoods films such as Roger Vadim's Barbarella and Mel Brooks' Silent Movie.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Bip, Marceau is back on stage with two different shows. Pantomimes de style, Pantomimes de Bip is a collection of famous scenes that have been created by Marceau over the past 50 years. In the first part, Pantomimes de style, Marceau recreates daily life scenes, performing several characters interacting with each other. In the second part, Marceau returns to his distinctive hat and jersey to pay tribute to Bip, his creation. All the scenes of the second part are focused on this character, in situations such as "Bip soldier", "Bip at the ball" or "Bip takes the train".

Le chapeau melon ou l'extraordinaire odyssee de Jonathan Bowler is a new "mimodrame" performed by Marcel Marceau and his company. Set in London in the twenties, the story tells the strange tale of Jonathan Bowler whose ordinary life is completely changed when he finds out on some evening that he cannot take his hat off his head anymore. This mimodrame was written and directed by Marceau himself and gives him the opportunity to pay a tribute to Charles Chaplin.

Pantomimes de style, Pantomimes de Bip is performed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and runs until Jan. 7. Le chapeau melon ou l'extraordinaire odyssee de Jonathan Bowler are performed from Thursday to Sunday and runs until Jan. 11. For tickets and informations on Pantomimes de style, Pantomimes de Bip and Le chapeau melon ou l'extraordinaire odyssee de Jonathan Bowler at the Espace Pierre Cardin, call 331 42 65 27 35.

-- By Stephane Ly-Cuong
France Correspondent