Swiss Society of New York

Currently in its fourth decade of existence, Mummenschanz remains one of the most successful theater groups in the world. Formed in 1972 by Swiss artists Bernie Schürch and Andres Bossard with Swiss-American artist Floriana Frassetto, the pioneering performance troupe created a non-verbal theatrical language that transcended the traditional barriers of nationality and culture. The group had its breakthrough during an extended Broadway run at the Bijou Theatre in New York City from 1977-1980. Never before and or since has a show without words or music succeeded on Broadway for three consecutive years. Since then, the group has toured continuously around the globe, performing in renowned festivals and theaters worldwide. Following the death in 1992 of founding member Andres Bossard, and with the help of long-time friend and supporter Hans Jörg Tobler, original artists Floriana Frassetto and Bernie Schürch established the Mummenschanz Foundation in 1998.  The Mummenschanz Foundation is a non-profit organization that aims to promote the art and expression of nonverbal theater. Since 2000, Mummenschanz has grown to a company of five, with original cast members Schürch and Frassetto now joined by featured performers Pietro Montandon and Raffaella Mattioli and technical director Jan Maria Lukas. In 2010, the company has toured to Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Turkey and Iran. For this return tour to the United States, they will tour to eighteen cities in ten states across five regions, including a three-week run in New York City at the Skirball Center for the Performing Arts, Dec 20, 2010 – Jan 8, 2011.