Bari Rolfe

BARI ROLFE The beloved grandmother of the American Mime World, passed away peacefully October 19, 2002. She was 86. Bari Rolfe worked for over 30 years as a mime, dancer, choreographer, consultant, teacher, director and writer; in the United States, Mexico and Europe. After the training and infuences of Marcel Marceau, Etienne Decroux and especially that of Jacques Lecoq, with whom she studied for three years, she returned to the United States in 1966 to teach in universities and to study acting and dance for the next ten years. Bari lived in Oakland since 1976 and devoted much of her later years giving workshops and writing, as well as being an active member of ALL, OWL, and many other progressive organizations. She taught at Chabot College, coordinating the establishment of the first Conservatory of Mime in the U.S. She published many articles in professional journals and the metropolitan press and is the author of "Behind The Mask", "Commedia Dell' Arte, A Scene Study Book"; and editor of "Farces, Italian Style" and "Mime Direcotry Bibliography." A memorial celebration will be held November 3, from 2;30-5pm a the North Berkeley Senior Center, at hears and MLK. Email her housemate springfriendlander@att.net for more information.