Theatre practitioner Jacques Lecoq often used masks during rehearsals to emphasize physical mannerisms. The general idea was that performers wouldn't be wrapped up in how their features appeared and would therefore exert extra control over their bodies.
His actors would begin with a full face mask, and would gradually work their way to wearing a larval mask, a half mask and eventually the clowns red nose.
It would be an interesting social experiment to witness how our friend's and family's body language changed if we were all forced to wear masks for a week. Would we take advantage of the ability to hide away? Or would we go
all out, push our gestures to the extreme in the theatrical sense and transform into a breed of
tumblers and
mime artists,
acrobatic extreme,
masquerading circus children
dance and make believe?
Probably not.
But for one evening, maybe so? I'm hoping, after exams to have a party in which entrance is conditional on disguise.
I bought my "Venetian" mask in an antique bonanza in Southport. I probably won't wear it out and cartwheel down the street but I'm looking forward to June-time celebrations. This summer is definitely going to have clowning theme for me.
The last two paintings of sexy circus ladies are by Miss Van, my absolute favourite French Street artist. Check her out!
Watch this space for more mask exploration in the near future.
xoxo
