Masks is dedicated to the opening of individual and group physical and vocal expression. To further that goal, this performance class works with several groups of masks. Beginning with Jacques Lecoq’s neutral mask exercises involving physical economy of effort, Mexican mask improvisations and group exercises, the work extends to vocal development and verse expression. Using half masks, the second half of the term branches into two parts: spontaneous build up of a fantasy community and careful development and performance of two individual monologues taken from a medieval play, which focus on such personages as Pride, Mercy, Avarice, Envy and Truth. The monologues combine chosen physical gestures and medieval text to tell the story.

Required: reading of a medieval play and selected hand outs; out of class development of group and individual exercises; development of source material, and performance of two medieval monologues

Corequisites: Dance or Drama assignment