MASKS IN PERFORMANCE

 Masks have been used within the theatre for centuries. The earliest theatre forms relied on mask to represent different types of characters, their attitudes and emotions.

Introduction

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Origins of Mask:

Ancient Greeks

- Ancient Greeks turned ritual into ritual drama. Therefore, the masks that were used in Ancient Greece were employed to honour, worship and depict their mythological gods. The masks were oversized and exaggerated. The Greeks bought the making of theatrical masks to the height of their development, and in a way, laid the path for the making of masks within the theatrical world.

Origins of Mask:



Middle Ages

– during the mystery plays era of the 12th 13th Centuries, masks were worn to dramatise the character to the extreme. Mystery plays were written (often by church clerics, priests or ministers) to show the public how bad sin was and what they should do in order to redeem themselves. The messages in these plays were blunt and straightforward, not unlike the masks used. The masks were grotesque, usually depicting Satan or one of his monstrous minions. It is said that these masks were marvels to look at, despite the fact that they were constructed out of Paper Mache.

Origins of Mask:



Renaissance Italy

– in 15th Century Venice, the revolutionary art form

commedia dell arte

was invented. This was an improvisational comedy consisting of characters so ridiculous in moral, that it was fundamental that the masks be ridiculous. It is said that the masks in commedia dell arte are revealing as they reveal information about the character’s attitudes and morals.

Rules of Using Masks in Performance:

 When an actor puts on a mask they become someone else. The mask allows them to become the character. Therefore, when you put on a mask you must become the character and assume all of their behaviours and attitudes. This means- you only wear your mask when in character and you must take it off to talk to your teacher or other students.

 Respect the mask- do not be silly and try to entertain your classmates. When you are in mask, you are in character- take it seriously.

Rules of Using Masks in Performance:

 When you put your mask on or take it off you must do so with your back to your audience.

 Do not touch or refer to your mask once you have it on as you are ‘in character’.

 Do not touch or refer to another performer’s mask.

Restrictions of Mask:

 Although masks are extremely effective in helping us to create a powerful character. They also have restrictive qualities that you must be aware of and compensate for. These include:  Restricting your ability to speak clearly and to project.

 Blocking your facial expressions.

 Restricted visibility- know what is in the space as you will find it difficult to see through the mask as clearly as you can without it.