Images Copyright Chris Vervain
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Masks in Performance.Research.Publications. Masks.
I recently conducted a workshop performance of the Bacchae in English translation , with professional actors. This was a project designed to further my practice-based research on performing masked Greek tragedy but also with the aim of creating an exciting piece of theatre for the modern audience. I devised a staging with a live performance in mind and subsequently made adaptations for filming. 
This was an self-funded project, involving two weeks of intensive rehearsal and three days of filming at the Chisenhale Dance Space, London, in April 2010. For this project which was in some respects a development of the research undertaken for my Phd at Royal Holloway, University of London I made the masks and props, recruited and directed the actors. The costumes for this production, an integral part of its visual impact, were created by Dr Rosie Wyles. There is a synopsis of the play, with links to  images and video clips from the production. The complete production, on 2 DVDs, is available for £25.00 plus postage and packing. Please contact me if you would like to purchase.

The Bacchae Project

   MASK THEATRE

This part of the site is devoted to my work in Mask Theatre. I have a Doctorate in Masks in Greek Tragedy from Royal Holloway, University of London, using  practice-based research with masks I have made. The pages that follow give examples of my masks and images of the masks in use with some example videos. and a list of publications. 
My doctoral research concerned ancient theatre and the masks that were used in Greek tragedy and comedy and was extensively practice-based.  I make masks inspired by the ancient evidence such as vase paintings, sculpture and written accounts of masks in antiquity. These are not archaeological reconstructions, although they are intended to capture some of the spirit of the originals, but are for use in acting the plays in today's performance conditions, including video recording.
 

I have also directed a performance of Sophocles' Antigone in English translation. I devised a staging with a live performance in mind and subsequently made adaptations for filming.This was an self-funded project, involving three weeks of intensive rehearsal and four days of filming at the Chisenhale Dance Space, London, in April 2011. I made the masks and props, recruited and directed the actors.  A synopsis of the play is here, with links to production images and video extracts.

The complete production, on 2 DVDs, is available for £25.00 plus postage and packing. Please contact me if you would like to purchase.







     




 

The Antigone Project