Read - http://www.ancientgreece.com/s/Theatre/ http://www.cln.org/themes/masks.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drama
video - http://www.ehow.com/video_2375845_the-art-theatre-masks.html http://www.theater-masks.com/ Mask-making lesson - tangible representation to introduce students to the art and culture of mask-making.
Skills: Standards Analysis Making inferences and drawing conclusions Oral Communication Oral presentation skills Visual art analysis Become aware of the social purpose and significance of cultural artifacts such as masks Explore connections between cultures and societies -- relating to their use of masks
Guiding Questions
What is a mask? What is a mask used for? When and why are masks worn? Protection, Sport teams, Medical, Entertainment Who wears masks? Brainstorm – types of masks Protection: gas, divers, fire, snorkeling, police, soldiers, swat team, welding, motorcycle, 4-wheeler Sport team: helmets, umpire, hockey, jockey, snow-boarding, fencing, Medical – doctor, nurse, anesthesiologist Characters - Batman, Phantom of the Opera, Spiderman, Joker, Mighty Duck, Green Lantern, Iron Man, Lone Ranger, Zoro Entertainment - Halloween, Mardi Gras, the circus, parades, plays, or costume parties How have you seen masks used in other ways? What story can a mask tell?
Extending The Lesson
Have the students identify and list story characters who wore mask. List story events in order of appearance. Create a script by having the students retell the story. After the performance, conduct a circle discussion to review and evaluate the performance. Ask the students the following questions: How did they feel while performing? How did wearing masks affect the performance? Did the students feel as though they became the characters? Were the characters believable? How might music, singing, dancing, and/or props make the story even more believable? In what other ways do people pretend?
Students explore the cultural significance of masks and investigate the role of masks in various cultures. The Meaning Behind The Masks - Thinkfinity b. Students create an exhibit and present their research.
Hands-on lesson plans to use in creating masks Discuss - cultural celebrations, and what students want to create—an animal, a famous person, a fantastical creature or being, their favorite TV or book character, etc. Think about the ways in which our facial expressions and features portray emotion. Guide students to create masks that show happiness, sadness, anger, scared, surprised, contemplation, etc. Use iPad to instant camera to snap photograph and record students' expressions (useful later as mask prototypes). Identify and label photographs according to expressions.
Masks in Theatre Since theatrical masks are physical, they are able to impress us (i.e. the audience) by making things come out of the dream, the fantasy – and allow it to become a reality, a fantastical spectacle for our eyes to lap up in splendorous stupor and our minds to devour in thought and feeling.
Ancient Greeks - Ancient Greeks turned ritual into ritual-drama and so the masks that were famously used in Ancient Greece were employed to honor, worship and depict their mythological gods. The masks were oversized and exaggerated. They were fitted about the mouth of the actor, and assisted the actors with projecting their voices over such a vast amount of space. 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.
Middle Age – during the mystery plays era of the 12th -13th Centuries, masks were worn to dramatize 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.
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 both concealing and revealing.
Africa – as a continent of cultures with a rich history of masks. Although Africa is a huge region, masks are worn and used in village ceremonies throughout the continent. Masks often represent departed ancestors, spirit beings, and invisible powers. Mask features can be human, animal, or combine elements and features from the human, animal, and spirit worlds. Special significance is given to each decoration, carving, and painting on every mask. Many masks are combined with a headpiece so that the mask and headpiece cover the performer's head entirely. Masks are used in social ceremonies (weddings, funerals, etc.), seasonal celebrations, and religious events. They are used to tell stories, impart wisdom, and ask for spirit blessings and protections. Almost always, the dancers are men and the honor of dancing in these ceremonies is given to trained performers, important members of the community, or family clans. Performances include masked dancers dressed in detailed costumes and musicians who provide energetic and vibrant musical accompaniment.
Japan – Japanese theater has a long, rich history. There are four main types of traditional theater in Japan. These are noh, kyogen, kabuki, and bunraku. Each of these forms of theater performance is very distinct and unique from the other.
Mardi Gras, the Carnival of the Americas, is the largest masked party on the continent. Mardi Gras has its origins in the mix of the French and African cultures of New Orleans. Like carnival, Mardi Gras begins of "Fat Tuesday" and ends with the beginning of Lent. Our Mardi Gras masks are of the highest quality and intended to inspire mystery and celebration.
Broadway Theater – For theater buffs, Broadway is the pinnacle of plays. Located in New York, Broadway's history is more 200 years old, making it almost as old as the United States itself. According to historian John Kenrick, the Park Theatre, built in 1798, was among the first Broadway theaters to enjoy popularity. Like its rich history, the plays of Broadway define its longtime purpose and charm. A List of plays that use masks include: Sleep No More, Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, Phantom of the Opera, Wicked, Cats, The Merchant of Venice.