Masks have been used for thousands of years in many cultures and traditions for various purposes. They were first used in ancient Greek theater around 700 BC to help audiences understand characters and bring them closer. The masks amplified actors' voices so they could be heard and used expressions to depict different emotions. Venetian masks later became popular features of Italian carnivals starting in the 18th century, often being made of materials like leather and porcelain. While masks were crucial in early theater due to lack of technology, their importance has decreased in modern musicals with advances allowing other methods of expressing characters.

1. MASK RESEARCH
Gemma Johnstone

2. INTRODUCTION
Masks Have been used in many different ways
and for many different years. They come from
many different backgrounds such as, Religion,
Traditions, Cultures from all around the world.
A mask is an object normally worn on the face.
From an early age masks usually are to show
emotion such as happy and sad. More recently
they have been used in musical theatre to show
characters, some are mechanical which shows
technology is more advanced.

3. Historical Context
In ancient Rome the word ‘Persona’ meant a
mask.
Masks where first used in the period date of 700
BC it got introduced in Ancient Greece 800-146
BC within theatre.
In Ancient Greece theatre masks where very
important in helping the audience understand
and follow the narrative. They also helped bring
the characters closer to the audience. One of the
main reasons why they were important was
because technology had not been invented by
then.

4. Greek Theatre Masks
The masks were made of linen or cork and to
this day non of them have survived. Tragic
masks carried mournful or pained expressions,
while comic masks were smiling or leering.
The shape of the mask amplified the actors
voice, making there words easier for the
audience to hear.

5. 18th Century-Venetian Masks
Masks have been a main feature of the Venetian
carnival. Traditionally people were allowed to
wear them between the festival of Santo Stefano
which starts a 12 in carnival season.
Venetian masks can be made of
leather, porcelain or with glass. The original
masks were rather simple in design.

6. Conclusion
There are many different types of masks and
have become better as the years have
progressed. Within musical theatre masks are
not as important as technology has become
more advanced. The most famous mask within
musical theatre is ‘The Phantom of the Opera’
and ‘The Lion King’.