Abstract
This study seeks to reimagine and reinvigorate modern theatre’s relationship with mask work through text-based historical research and practice-based artistic research. It focuses on three ancient mask traditions: pre- and early Hellenistic Greek theatre, Japanese Noh theatre, and Nigerian Egungun masquerades. Research on these mask traditions and recent masked productions informed the development and staging of a masked performance of Charles Mee’s Life is a Dream. The production featured sections for each of the ancient masking styles and a final section that explored masks in a contemporary theatrical style. As a whole, this creative project pulls masks out of their historical context to discuss their relevance for contemporary theatre artists and to demonstrate how ancient traditions can inspire new work.
Recommended Citation
Siegel, Alexi Michael. “Masks: A New Face for the Theatre.” James Madison Undergraduate Research Journal, vol. 6, no. 1, 2018, pp. 6-17, http://commons.lib.jmu.edu/jmurj/vol6/iss1/1. Accessed day Mon. year.
Included in
Acting Commons, African Languages and Societies Commons, Ancient, Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque Art and Architecture Commons, Asian Art and Architecture Commons, Contemporary Art Commons, Dramatic Literature, Criticism and Theory Commons, Fiber, Textile, and Weaving Arts Commons, Japanese Studies Commons, Performance Studies Commons, Theatre History Commons, Theory and Criticism Commons
