An Intro to Mask Work (Week of October 1, 2012)

http://youtu.be/QUs-lyXOCxI

This week, we started using our masks to get ready for Greek tragedy. We started using Keith Johnston and Jacques Lacoq's methods of mask work. First, we looked at ourselves in a mirror and used one word to describe ourselves. When I looked at myself in the mirror, I was completely taken aback. I had not been expecting such a dramatic change. I felt like a totally different person, with a different personality. I felt tough, sneaky, and stern, unlike my usually bubbly and extroverted manner. As cheesy as it sounds, I felt I was entering a new body, had become a new identity I didn't recognize. I had to keep reminding myself of the image I saw in the mirror to become fully immersed in the mask Hanna. 

Later, we each 'woke up' from lying on the floor, in the character of the masks. We then acted how the mask told us to, playing different roles. I became a bandit, a gang member, and a cop. Each time, depending on the environment of the others around me, my attitude shifted . We walked around, watching one another and responding to each other's actions. Compared to the times when we acted out a skit sans mask, I felt a lot more aware of my surroundings and paid more attention to the detail around me. Every decision for movement or sense of movement around me was heightened. Maybe I felt this because of the sneaky and stoic character from the mask; it definitely felt weird. Or since my classmates were in masks with me, I didn't know what to expect from their actions, how they had changed through the mask. 

Later, Ms. Ashley turned on music and we let the song guide our movements. A bright piece called for happier movements and scenes; a dark, heavy song led to tragedies, students 'dying' and forming a very loud hearse-type of crowd. I was surprised at how we could bring all that out with just one song. The music served as our imitation, influence, and inspiration. We all interpreted the music differently and portrayed how we felt through it. Sometimes, though, I acted a certain way that didn't work out with how the rest of the people were acting. So I transitioned into a role that would more suit the situation that still fit the music.

We weren't just any characters as in a skit. For now, the mask gave us a specific identity, or a feel of one that we molded to. At the same time, though, the mask enabled us to express ourselves beyond our usual ways. Without the mask, self-consciousness, embarrassment, and our dignity, I believe, serve as limits to our extent of action. With this mask covering our faces, it helped reduce the self-consciousness we felt. We didn't have to show our faces and the audience didn't need to see the faces, as well. I wasn't scared to act out of my normal character. I didn't act out as much as I could have but as I use the mask more, I think I'll get accustomed to it and be able to freely express myself.