1. GC1 Mask Research
Mask Historical Context Research

2. Introduction
 Masks have been used throughout many different
cultures for thousands of years. They have been used in
rituals, tribes, ceremonies and theatre. The reason they
are used is for their literal and/or symbolic meanings. The
words “mask” appeared in English in 1530’s it was
developed from Middle French masque, meaning
“covering to hide or guard the face”. The reasons they
are used in theatre are to develop the audiences
understanding of the piece and to develop the
character as a whole.

3. When Were Masks First Used In
Theater
The first masks were used in 7000BC then were introduced
into theatre in 800 – 146BC. They were first introduced in
Ancient Greek theater with the purpose of allowing the
audience to follow the narrative, this was done through
masks to show a clear contrast between the different
characters.

4. Greek Theatre
 “Illustrations of theatrical masks from 5th century display
helmet-like masks, covering the entire face and head, with
holes for the eyes and a small aperture for the mouth, as
well as an integrated wig.”
 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theatre_of_ancient_Greece#Masks
 Skeuopoios was the name for the mask makers, which means
“maker of the properties”, which connotes that their role was not
only to design the mask but to develop the character.
 Many of the concepts behind Greek theatre are still around in
theatre today. This is again done to develop the character,
however today masks are also used to add the magic element so
some shows such as Beauty and the Beast and Shrek The Musical.

5. 18th Century
 In the 18th Century masks, which were known as a theatre
device, emerged into the western civilization from
religious practices of ancient Greece.
 Masks were also used in the 18th Century at the Carnival
of Venice. There were several styles of masks worn at this
Carnival. People with different occupations wore
different masks to distinguish between the different
people.

6. 20th Century
 Masks are used in the 20th century for musical theatre
and other theatre productions such as Shakespeare and
Greek productions. They are used to bring different styles
to the piece and develop the audiences understanding
of the character.
 Tribal Masks
 Masks are used in tribes to show rank and to show which
tribe that person is from. They are most evidently influenced
by European and western societies. This is done by the way
they are designed and decorated

7. 20th Century
 Musical Theater
 Masks are used throughout different musical theatre pieces one
of the most famous being Phantom Of The Opera, where the
Phantom is wearing a mask which covers half of his face. This is
done to stylize the performances. Unlike the past where it was to
communicate the character and there emotion. Some of the
most present work that you can see is shown in more ‘magical’
performances like Beauty and the Beast where masks have been
developed for not only the face but into more entire body to
transform a person into a fictional character.

8. Conclusion
 For century's people have used masks for theatre and
they all set out with one goal to improve the the
audiences understanding and interpretation of a
character. Using masks also allows actors to multi-role as
different characters providing a clear contrast between
the two.