Workshop

Acting through character masks: grotesque human caricatures that amplify the character's attitude, intentions, and reactions. The magic of these types of masks lies in their ability to seemingly change expression depending on the movement, breath, and emotional state of the wearer, despite being totally rigid. 

In the first phase of the work we study our own personal habits and mechanisms to move and react. The second phase is dedicated to practicing specific elements of the mask work without words, such as gesture, focus, rhythm and timing of the action-reaction process. 

The workshop is also highly recommended for actors with more traditional, text-based theatre background: the goal is to become aware of the body and to reveal the habitual and superfluous movements that we often unconsciously carry on stage. We work for finding a unity between thought, action and state of mind that allows us to increase the range of expressive possibilities as an actor. 

CONTENTS

 

Introduction:

- the character mask

- difference between feelings and character (main attitude) of the mask

- non-verbal communication, telling stories without words

Analysis and practice of the main features of character mask work:

- actions and reactions

- physical scores

- rhythm and speed

- quality and intention of the gesture

- focus of the mask/actor and focus of the audience

- connection between the actor's thoughts, feelings and actions 

Building a character:

analysis and testing of a wide range starting points for creating a character and his inner world, and then developing and enriching his background, history, and attitude. 

- character (main attitude, way of responding to life events) 

- primary and secondary aims

- physical score 

- emotional score

- inner monologue 

Creating and developing scenes:

analysis of the classical narrative structure exposition-conflict-resolution, contemporary dramaturgies, legibility of characters' moods and intentions. How to make a scene clear and powerful. 

- scene draft (starting from improvisation or writing, painting, narrative, etc...) 

- define the context 

- define the structure and the style 

.