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When approached to mime during his junior year in high school by a fellow church member, 26 year-old Brooks Proctor thought it was a joke. "I thought she was kidding", he laughs. "But when I saw she was serious, I didn't know what to think".
Today, the Kansas City, Kansas native believes that the art of mime is his calling.
"A lot of people laugh when I tell them I'm a mime", he says. "But once they see me perform, they become believers too".
Proctor, aka "Myth... Vizual Therapist," has been miming since 1999. Through his performances, Myth has converted many skeptics, inspiring believers in cities such as Atlanta, Dallas, St. Louis and Chicago, His credits include opening for gospel moguls Karen Clark-Sheard, Dorinda Clark-Cole, and The Mississippi Mass Choir. The talented mime even performed in front of thousands at a convention featuring the Reverend Al Sharpton, one of his most powerful performances yet.
"Music has always been a big part of my life and I've always been in tune to the way I feel when hearing certain songs", he says. "So, when I perform, I try to communicate what I feel--the way the music moves me--in hopes that I may touch someone else".
Miming primarily to gospel music, Myth wanted to extend his following to the mainstream while maintaining his faith and spiritual connection.
So, the multi-talented dancer, mime artist and choreographer began putting together routines to popular Neo-Soul songs by artists such as John Legend, Musiq Soulchild and Anthony Hamilton. He then began to book shows at Kansas City area poetry venues.
"I love Neo-Soul music and poetry", he gushes. "I love the intensity and the great emotion involved in both of these art forms".
Looking to put movement to the powerful lyrics and bring visual meaning to the messages in the songs, Myth uses body language and facial expressions to bring songs to life. His moves not only demonstrate what can be heard lyrically, but move people to FEEL, sparking emotion from even the most uncongenial audiences.
"People really don't know what to think when I tell them what I do, or when I'm getting ready to go on stage", he says. "But when it's all said and done, they're really touched by what they saw. It's amazing how powerful miming to music is".
Ultimately, Myth would like to revolutionize what it means to be a successful mime by taking his act on tour with some of the same artists he performs to. He'd also like to host mime workshops around the country and create videos to help teach people the art of miming.
"I want to travel all over the world, and really take the miming artform to another level", he says. "It's not something you can tell people about. It's something that people have to see and experience for themselves".
Until then, Myth says, he will continue to look past the funny looks and laughter in pursuit of his dream. "I'm passionate about it so, the jokes and things don't bother me. Those same jokesters are the ones that find my performances so therapeutic".
Providing a rare opportunity to witness the lyrics in some of music's greatest songs come to life, Myth is truly the definition of visual therapy.
I speak with no words
No adjectives, nouns or verbs
The music and movements
Are simply my instrument
My word
I speak through body language
Not for entertainment
But with the intent of giving visual therapy
Therapeutic relief
Giving that abused woman courage enough to finally leave
Sparking a much needed fire
To that man in hopes to achieve a lifelong dream
Some call me a mime
While I am a cornerstone of time
Going back to before words were created
When dance, spiritual movements was the central way of communication
I am a symbol
Proving that Love does exist
Reassuring that every living moment
Should be respected as such
From your first breath
To your last step
See me as
Vizual Therapy.......
- written by Jahmel "True Speech" Holden