Fight to save Marcel Marceau memorabilia

A CAMPAIGN has been launched to raise the funds to buy the treasures of Marcel Marceau, as his estate is set to be sold at bargain prices to pay off his debts.

The master of mime, who died in September 2007 aged 84, spent much of his earnings on helping theatrical productions and left debts behind which will be paid off through the sale of items such as costumes, photographs and texts.

But this means that much of Marcel Marceau's affairs will just be sold at the going rate, something that has annoyed many in French theatre who believe a place should be found for many of his items so that people can see them.

A Musée pour Bip aims to raise the funds to buy many of the items set to be sold at an auction on May 26 and 27, and then work on creating a museum for people to enjoy the work of the master of mime.

The people behind the musée say they need to raise a minimum of €100,000, and anyone who donates money will see their name inscribed on a plaque.

And from the archive here is an interview with Marcel Marceau, written in 2001 that features the thoughts of the great man.