Masks in Action

Masks in Action by Tony Davies of Trading Faces is a resource for people who teach drama and want to know more about masks, and may want to explore approaches to mask work with groups of students. It asks the question why masks, explores the relation to audiences, deals with thinking physically, and working in an ensemble group.  Then it proceds to present ways of working with Caricature and naive full masks, character half masks and commedia dell'arte. There is a useful section on key skills to cover when teaching mask work, mask making techniques using blotting paper,  and leather; plus a glossary of physical theatre terms and a contact list. It is profusely illustrated. Look out for the wonderful masks of maestro Ninian Kinnier-Wilson!