Download MASKS IN PERFORMANCE

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
Origins of Mask:

Ancient Greeks - Ancient
Greeks turned ritual into ritualdrama. 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.