GREEK THEATRE MASK RESEARCH.
Mask details
Illustrations of theatrical masks from 5th
century display helmet-like mask, covering the entire face and head, with holes
for the eyes and a small aperture for the mouth, as well as an integrated wig.
It is interesting to note that these paintings never show actual masks on the
actors in performance; they are most often shown being handled by the actors
before or after a performance, that liminal space between the audience and the
stage, between myth and reality. ] This demonstrates the way in which the mask
was to ‘melt’ into the face and allow the actor to vanish into the role.
Effectively, the mask transformed the actor as much as memorization of the
text. Therefore, performance in ancient Greece did not distinguish the masked
actor from the theatrical character.
The mask-makers were called skeuopoios or
“maker of the properties,” thus suggesting that their role encompassed multiple
duties and tasks. The masks were most likely made out of light weight, organic
materials like stiffened linen, leather, wood, or cork, with the wig consisting
of human or animal hair. Due to the visual restrictions imposed by these masks,
it was imperative that the actors hear in order to orientate and balance
themselves. Thus, it is believed that the ears were covered by substantial
amounts of hair and not the helmet-mask itself. The mouth opening was
relatively small, preventing the mouth to be seen during performances.
Reasons for Wearing Masks
There are
several reasons why Greeks wore masks during performances. Plays were performed
in large, outside amphitheaters. Due to the size of the stage and the
positioning of the seating, many audience members were not able to clearly see
what was happening on stage. Masks were used as a way to convey emotion to
every audience member. Each mask was designed to show a certain emotion through
the use of exaggerated facial expressions, which were readable by all audience
members. This ensured that all audience members understood the tone and emotion
of each character. Greek performers also wore masks because a limited number of
actors were allowed on stage. Initially, one performer was allowed on stage at
a time. Through the use of masks, different characters and emotions were
established during plays. Eventually, three actors were allowed on stage. Also,
there were no women actors in Greek theater, so men wore female masks for
female roles.
Description
of Masks
Masks
used in Greek theater were made of plaster-soaked linen, wood or leather. The
masks featured exaggerated facial expressions portraying emotions such as
happiness, sadness and anger. The mouths were large cut-out or carved openings
that enabled actors to speak loudly and clearly. Eyes were clearly drawn on the
mask. Pupil holes were punched out so actors could see. Animal or human hair
was often added to the mask as facial hair. Masks used to represent female
characters featured larger eyes and larger mouth holes.
Greek
theatre
Most
Greek cities had a theatre. It was in the open air, and was usually a
bowl-shaped arena on a hillside. Some theatres were very big, with room for
more than 15,000 people in the audience.
All the
actors were men or boys. Dancers and singers, called the chorus, performed on a
flat area called the orchestra. Over time, solo actors also took part, and a
raised stage became part of the theatre. The actors changed costumes in a hut
called the "skene". Painting the walls of the hut made the first
scenery.
The plays
were comedies (funny, often poking fun at rulers) or tragedies (sad and
serious, with a lesson about right and wrong).
References
This is the research that I've done for Greek masks
