cw1

Module #1: Identify some of the similarities and differences between masks in the Indian genres of performance and those used in ancient Greece and Rome.

(MOST OF YOUR COMMENTS WERE STATEMENTS RATHER THAN TRYING TO ADDRESS THE QUESTION, IE. SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCE) Masks in ancient Greece and Rome are mostly similar to masks in the Indian genres of performance with a few differences when it came to how the mask looked, what it was made of, how the actors prepared/performed for their roles, and who actually performed.

Ancient Greek and Roman masks were full faced masks, but they mostly seemed to have open mouths. No one knows who made these masks or what they were made out of, but it is known that all the roles were played by men; no women in theatre (Richmond Lecture 1/20/12). Three are depictions of actors contemplating their masks before their performances (//Mask Improvisation, pg.10//). This might have been a way for the actor to take on the personality of the character of the mask (Richmond Lecture 1/20/12). Dionysus was the god of theatre and when plays were performed, they were only given once a year.

Similar to Greek and Roman masks, most masks of Indian genres are full faced masks except for Camaydia (COMMEDIA) masks which are half faced masks. They also have characterizations as well most roles are played by men. In contrast, we know that most of these masks are carved from wood or some of them are made from mud by the Seraikella Chhau. Also, although most masks are full faced masks, some of them come with attached headdresses like the Krsnanattam, Purulia Chhau, and Seraikella Chhau (Richmond Lecture 1/23/12).

Therefore, it is easy to see some of the similarities and differences in ancient Greece and Roman masks and the masks of Indian genres.

*WORD COUNT: 252