Drama Masks

Drama masks are a very important aspect to the cultural arts in almost every country in the world. The correct name for drama masks should be really tragedy and comedy masks. Strangely enough these masks were made initially so famous by Greek actors has become globally accepted as a true symbol and almost coat of arms for the theatre. Today drama masks are not only used in theatre, but even by ordinary individuals. They are commonly used off the stage in events such as parties and at costume parties. At times some people use these as a method decorate a dull room in the house. However we wanted to examine the real origins and uses of the drama mask.

There are several common types of tragedy and comedy masks that are used, most commonly known as ceramic, Italian and what is known as stagecraft costumes or theatre jewelry. The former types are mainly used as in home decorations while later are really what most people like to term as a drama prop. We examined the origin of the mask over time and with different cultures beginning with the obvious one being the Greeks. In the past these were of great help to the directors of plays and playwrights who could easily write in a mood and have an actor portray that with a mask.

Greek drama masks

The Greek drama masks are the most popular in the theater and globally because of its long standing use. In Greece theatre was common place, in fact all around Greece open spaced and giant theatres were constructed with the main purpose of keeping the person watching the play at a distance from the actors. This is still a tactic used in some acting camps tactic. But where most people believe the wear was as a direct result of hiding the face, it was used as an emotional prop. This was able to show the characters state of mind and emotion of happy or sad at the time. It was perfect as a method that allowed the actors to portray the mood that they were in. A brilliant invention by Greek playwrights.

Drama masks tattoos

These have become so increasingly popular however we know that these have little to do with the intended purpose of theater. However we do want to point out that drama mask tattoos again are being used for the much created intention. It does show a state of mind and that one can be happy at one time smiling and sad in the next and crying.

Blank drama masks

These were made popular by the Koreans that even invented what was known as the real mask dance. This was absolutely astonishing to some as most of these masks were totally blank. This means no painting and no expressions. It epitomized mood at any point in time to be neutral. Then the blank drama mask was changed to suit the mood. It really took the prop to w whole new level that showed that comedy and tragedy masks never had to be restricted to either emotion but that a mask could also show indifference.

By the late eighteenth century the drama mask in Korea took an amazing new shape. People began to paint all these props to show a face above the face, using colors and symbols on the mask to depict age, sex, gender, emotion and indifference. It even began to be used in some religious ceremonies to show a big difference between evil and good. Normally age is differentiated between full black and white with blushing red cheeks. Gender is done using flaring nostrils for men and squint eyes for females. Though there aren’t any set standard there are several other methods that actors use to decorate drama masks to show the differentiation.

Pictures of Drama Masks

We have added this picture and have actually dedicated an entire section of our website to pictures of drama masks. This will help tattoo artists, those looking for clipart drama masks and those who want to know what comedy tragedy masks look like. All in all we love the plays and cherish the idea using theatre make up and masks to bring to life an acting script for any play.