American David Shiner studied drama for three years before he discovered his talent for mime. In Paris, the international mime metropole, he was able to acquire the basic techniques. It was, however, on the streets of Rome and Paris that he developed his original style, which is completely self-taught. He made his own living there as a clown, and learnt how to adjust and respond to the most varied sorts of situations. From this time onwards improvisations have been a characteristic feature of his appearances. David chooses the ancient view of his role as a clown; to be a fool holding up a mirror to his audience. "You can go around carrying the whole world on your shoulders, but one day it'll drop on your feet. If you recognize the absurdity of everyday life, though, and grasp hold of it, your life can show you the key to happiness in a quite different way; you can really discover the beauty in the natural imperfection of man". In this way David describes what he wants to express when he gives a show. "You're treading a knife-edge when you try to show someone how absurd his life is and make him laugh about it - you really have to love people for them to accept it from you."