Underground Giant
Summary
This episode explores two historical figures: Jean-Gaspard Deburau, the 19th-century mime who transformed the character of Pierrot and was acquitted of murder, and Michael Davies, a dwarf who organized the Spitalfields air raid shelter during the London Blitz. The stories highlight how Deburau elevated silent performance while Davies demonstrated extraordinary community leadership amidst wartime destruction.
Topics discussed
Intro and Grainger advertisement
Welcome to Aaron Menke's Cabinet of Curiosities
Jean-Gaspard Deburau: The silent mime of Paris
The murder trial and acquittal of Deburau
Deburau's legacy as the archetype of mime
Ads for ChatGPT and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8
The Blitz begins and Mickey Davies' background
Organizing the Spitalfields air raid shelter
Mickey Davies' leadership and later life
Outro, book promotion, and Patreon info
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