Masksin Ancient Greek Theatre

Role of Masks Mask served many purposes in Greek

theatre

They allowed actors to play more than one role. This was important because often there were only a few actors in a given play.

Masks allowed male actors to play female roles because there were no women in theatre.

They enables audience members to see the face of the actors.

Materials Greek masks were typically made of materials

such as stiffened linen, leather, wood, or cork.

Masks wig consisting of human or animal hair.

Because they were made of organic materials they were fragile and not considered permanent objects, therefore no masks remain today

Mask Characteristics

tragic masks: large frowning mouth, life-like features, sorrowful expressions

comic masks: large smiling mouth and exaggerated features

Mask Characteristics (cotinued)

young man: dark tone skin, darker hair no, beard

young woman: pale in color with carefree hair

Mask Characteristics (cotinued)

older woman: pale, wrinkled with white hair

older man: : lighter skin tone, wrinkled, white hair and beard

Mask Characteristics (cotinued)

male (any age): brown skin tone, various expressions

(aggression, courage, weakness)

female (any age): white or pale color, expressions of pain

and bereavement

Mask to disregarde

Older man:other types of women

Sources http://artsedge.kennedy-center.org/interactive

s/greece/theater/playersProps.html

https://greektheatre.wordpress.com/home/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mx_imwgGxb0

http://www.academia.edu/2965037/Unmasking_Ancient_Colour_Colour_and_the_Classical_Theatre_Mask