Introduction to Masks

​The elements of masks

​•Mask falls under the category of Production areas.

•A mask is used to either hide parts of or all of the face.

•It is used within many other forms of traditional theatre such as Commedia dell'arte, Greek theatre and Noh theatre.

Masks first emerged in western civilization from the religious practices of ancient Greece within the theatres in Athens. Their masks were made of stiffened and painted linen, terracotta, stone and bronze materials.


In the Greek theatre two masks were often used, one to display a tragedy and the other to display comedy.  Within Greek theatre most performances were connected to storylines around the worship of god and the application of masks allowed actors to take their character to the next level.

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​Greek theatre

Other forms of theatre styles that use masks are also, Commedia Dell’Arte which is a tradition Italian form of physical comedy that use masks often within Elizabethan comedies to disguise a character.

Each mask design is paired with a specific character based on its appearance and tradition.

We will be learning lots about this style in our next lot of classes!

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​Commedia Dell'Arte

Japanese Noh theatre is also famously known for their use of

masks. The masks are made from a wooden material that actors would build

relationships with to ensure they could give life to the wooden mask.

Noh masks have dated back to almost 1,000 years and is a style of musical drama that perform stories from Japanese legends to modern day events.

They are mostly known for creating masks that look like demons and monks and were known for portraying their characters feelings by changing their body language and head movements.​

Noh Theatre

Creating your own Greek Mask!

​Instructions:

Following along the YouTube video we will all be making our own Greek masks! You will need the following:
- White paper
- Scissors
- Pen
- To make sure any rubbish goes in the bin at the end of the lesson!