Mask in society

A detailed Summary of Mask in society

"Masks have served humankind for centuries as artistic instruments, educational tools and have often reflected and magnified human nature while revealing the inner desires and fears of the human heart. However, as we stand in the 90's we have little or no need for masks. Theatre has developed and moved swiftly, parents and schools educate children and humankind no longer feels the need to see their true feelings interpreted and portrayed by performers. Masks and mask work must take their place in the relics cupboard as quaint antiquities. They simply cannot withstand the break neck speed of the 90's- they have lost their appeal and relevancy."

As society dives headfirst into the 21st century one cannot deny that there are a number of apparently frivolous concepts which are being sacrificed in the name of technology. Peripheral ideals and out-dated innovations such as LP's, tie dying and the ozone layer are being rightfully pushed aside as the world makes ready for bigger and better things. But the question arises, should masks be included within this list of irrelevant notions? To fully comprehend and reply to this one must have a deta

iled knowledge of mask throughout history, its educational, theatrical and entertainment value, and most importantly, its current appeal and relevancy in the eyes of today's society.

demons reappear with static, immutable faces, which are at the very roots of theatre.'

Ancient Greek theatre is most renown for its Tragedy and Comedy, including works such as Oedipus Rex and The Wasps. Playwrights such as Sophocles, Euripides and Aristophanes were capable of 'enthralling their audiences and moving them to strong emotions- apprehension, compassion, sorrow' and joy (EXTENDED STUDY: MASK). But it was their use of mask that warranted them their success. There are two main components within Greek theatrical mask work, that is the actors and the chorus. The Actors would wear masks to define the general category of person to be portrayed. The mask would also be shaped into an emotional position thus revealing the outcome of the play from the beginning. The mask could also be tilted up or down giving different shades of the one mood. The chorus, however, was the backbone of all Greek theatre. Their demeanor and integrity was the product of a visually unified entity through mask. The combination of these effects led to a dramatically enhanced performance. Overall it is obvious that mask was a crucial element to the development of Greek society.

'The mask is a terrible, mysterious instrument. It has always given me and continues to give

During the 16th Century Mask unveiled a previously unseen and unprecedented facet of its ever-expanding territory. It was known as 'Commedia dell'Arte'. 'In certain fiestas the very notion of order disappears. Chaos comes back and licence rules. Anything is permitted... Respectable people put away the dignified expressions and conservative clothes that isolate them, dress up in gaudy colours, hide behind a mask, and escape from themselves.' (COMMEDIA DELL'ARTE: AN ACTORS HANDBOOK) The Commedia era was undoubtedly the largest impact that a single mask genre has ever made, for it was the first time that mask

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Approximate Word count = 1392
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Arts