Faustwork Mask Theater presents The Mask Messenger
Monday, June 27 – 2:00pm @ West Elmira Library
Wednesday, June 29 – 6:30pm @ Teal Park (hosted by the Horseheads Free Library)
Thursday, June 30 – 6:30pm @ Steele Memorial Library
The Mask Messenger is a series of vignettes ranging from comic to bizarre to poignant. Body language, psychological insight, and humor are the driving forces that captivate audiences ranging in size from 200 to 1200. The show, available in solo or duo performance variations, illuminates and expands the concept of the mask, exploring its relationship to human psychology, business, fashion, art, dance, and theatre.
The set consists of an impressive collection of masks, created by Mr. Faust and the company, exhibited center stage. After a brief and informative mock-lecture about the myriad uses of masks in cultures throughout the world, the performers begin to demonstrate the power of transformation by removing the masks from the wall, and assuming the emotional state expressed in each face. A variety of characters spring to life, including some who speak dialogue, wearing Commedia Dell’Arte style half-masks. Full masks are worn on top or back of the head, creating distortions that baffle the eye and tickle the funny bone.
The success of The Mask Messenger/s is due to the fact that it offers not only comic exuberance, but also new insights into the artistic, cultural, and historical aspects of the mask. The show has been performed over 2000 times at festivals, corporate events, universities, and in theatres throughout the United States and the world.
(reproduced, with permission, from http://www.faustwork.com)