“Man is
least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask and he shall
tell you the truth” Oscar Wilde
Students in drama classes participated in an interactive workshop: Mask, Mime, Music and Movement. Thanks to Ms. Mildebrath (drama teacher) and Teodoro Dragonieri* (an award winning guest artist) who led the engaging workshops that focused on character
development through the use of masks.
Actions in drama create character. We can
state that plot is character in action. Mask work and physical theatre exert
important influences on characterization. Through the use of Commedia
dell’Arte, Character and Grotesque masks, students explored physicality, gesture, mannerisms, speech and the power of silence and
stillness.
*Teodoro
Dragonieri is a multi-disciplinary artist and educator who has initiated, developed
and coordinated many
acclaimed and award winning arts programs for all levels of education,
galleries, arts organizations, intellectually challenged individuals,
Aboriginal communities and at-risk youth. He has presented lectures, workshops
and exhibited extensively. His art, research and work reflect his interest in
the role of creativity and the function
of the artist in society, “Carnival” and street theatre as a common thread in
numerous cultures and the role of mask in theatre. He is co-founder and
artistic director of Zanni Arte, a company dedicated to developing
multi-disciplinary arts initiatives and the use of masks in theatre and
education.
