Celebrating masks and physical theatre since 1987
| Text only | Celebrating masks and physical theatre since 1987 |
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This versatile residency is suitable for any group as the emphasis is on process rather than product. It is particularly useful for people who have little or no experience of theatre, for groups that lack confidence or who lack cohesion. It is also suitable for more experienced groups who have not yet worked in devised or physical theatre. Many groups also use the residency as an opportunity to create a set of masks as a resource for future projects. After a brief practical introduction to the principles behind mask and physical theatre, participants then begin to work in clay to design their own mask. Creating your own character for mask theatre starts when the first piece of clay is moulded. It is important that the maker is also the performer for that mask. This creates a sense of commitment to performing right from the first day of the residency and a sense of ownership and understanding of that character. The following days will usually include a combination of performance skills and practical mask-making skills. The masks are not usually completed until the fourth day. Devising the performance does not begin until the participants have a clear understanding of the basics of performing in masks. The group collectively discusses possible themes for a short performance. The chosen themes are then broken down into units of action and roles are chosen for the masks. Each unit is then improvised to explore its comic and dramatic potential.Before the final day, Trading Faces prepares a rough structure using the group’s ideas to create the skeleton of a performance. The project workers then help direct the show ready for performance. Improvisation plays a major part of the devising process even in the last day as the masks are brought to life for the first time. Due to the intensive nature of the residency the performance will have an air of creative spontaneity, supported by the techniques that have been learnt and the encouragement of the project workers. Whether the group makes and performs in half or full masks will depend on the group’s level of experience and maturity. For half masks, participants will have to make a life block of their own face prior to the start of the residency. An additional day should be allocated for this. Trading Faces can either offer advice or lead a day with the group to facilitate this. "Their approach to young people is inspiring to see" Abigail Brown Arts Development Officer Vale of White Horse Distric Council “I thought putting the ideas together and having a say in what happened was really fun.” Alison Markham, Participant “The leaders were brilliant, supportive and encouraging – pushing and coaxing you to your full potential” Alison Cosby, Participant “I couldn’t have enjoyed the fortnight more, both creatively and socially it was incredibly stimulating!” Sara Scott, Participant “The workshop leaders were able to draw people into the group in a non-threatening way. Those who took part were not the ones I would have expected to get involved. I gained a new insight into some characters who are not always quickly motivated to take part in things.” Sue Walker, HMP Bullingdon “I thought the masks were really good. I never knew a play could be so funny without any speaking in it.” Student, Sheldon Heath School
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