Also this issue: Eye Candy The tantalizingly decorative work of Candy Depew draws the viewer into its complex, multicultural core. -Robin Rice Art in Northern Liberties -Debra Auspitz Rambleshoe -Janet Anderson Macbeth -Peter Burwasser Self-Criticism George Pelecanos’ previous work is his own toughest judge. -Justin Bauer

March 20-26, 2003

artpicks

Marcel Marceau

Every art form has its masters -- individuals whose contributions are unassailably acknowledged as the pinnacle of a particular craft. In classical music the names Beethoven and Bach come to mind; for modern art there’s Picasso; and when it comes to mime the one who stands out above all others is Marcel Marceau. If that name is unfamiliar to generation Xers and younger, most folks 40-something and older will recognize this fellow who was a frequent guest on variety and TV talk shows in the ’60s and ’70s. Marceau’s alter ego, Bip, an everyman character in whiteface, floppy top hat, striped shirt and bell bottoms, charmed audiences with his mini-melodramas that expressed a world of experiences and mishaps without so much as a word. Those of us who saw his schtick may recall that in Marceau’s world even a tiny movement spoke volumes. Though Marceau’s appearances in the States have since waned, the man never stopped performing. But all good things must come to an end; at age 80, Marceau is ready to retire. For a swan song he’s making a farewell tour. It’s one last chance to catch a master in action. Pass the word.

Marcel Marceau, Fri.-Sun., March 21-23, $30-$47, Kimmel Center, 260 S. Broad St., 215-893-1999.

—Deni Kasrel