Political theater for free

Some people like to dress up social politics. Some people like to give it a voice. Some people like to dress it up in outrageous costumes and give it a booming voice. And some people don’t need to say a word—but these guys aren’t that kind of mime. Instead, the Tony award-winning San Francisco Mime Troupe, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, performs socially conscious and relevant theatre. When they say “mime,” they mean it in the earliest sense of mimicking. Their new season kicks off with a touring production of troupe member Michael Gene Sullivan’s 2012: The Musical, directed by Wilma Bonet. Their antics provide breathtaking visual effects and their visceral beliefs add to the message. Mark the date on your calendar; we might not have outdoor-theater weather for much longer.

2012: The Musical; 5 p.m. Sunday, September 11; free. The San Francisco Mime Troupe; Southside Park, 2115 6th Street; www.sfmt.org.