Maskwork

Jennifer Foreman graduated in English and Drama from Hull University and went on to study at the Laban Art Of Movement Centre. She began her professional career as an actor/teacher in theatre and education in London. She became Head of Performing Arts and Assistant Head of an inner-city school until her retirement. Following this she took up a teacher training position in post-graduate Teacher Education, which she left in 2015. Maskwork springs from her experience working with professional theatre performers and students of different ages, abilities, and backgrounds.

One of the main strengths of this book lies in the author's ability to present complex philosophical issues in a very pragmatic way ... Practical advice is purposefully presented in the context of much wider and more complex issues relating to cultural identity, human expression and communication; the underlying issues that place masks in their social, cultural and spiritual context. It reminds us of the importance of critical appreciation, self-expression and a moving away from the all too familiar process-based approach to teaching art and design. These are the qualities that give Maskwork its heightened significance for art and design education.

• PrologueAcknowledgements of PhotographsIntroductionWhat are Masks?Masks as ResourcesPlanning a ProjectProject 1: First StepsExploring the medium, tools and skills before making a mask.An 'ice-breaker' or forerunner to paper maskmaking for all ages.Project 2: Shape-MasksImprovising with paper construction to create masks rangingfrom the simple to the spectacular.Project 3: Changing FacesMaking a plate mask as a lively 'way in' to character work andphysical theatre techniques.Project 4: Symmetry & CollageMaking symmetrical half-masks and full-face collage masks(built up from magazine images) with activities combiningdrama and the other arts.Project 5: Theatre, Mask & MythDevising drama productions based on myths and involvingthe construction of full-face (helmet-masks) and head-masks(crest-headdress masks) using traditional models.Project 6: Character & CommediaExploring paper gum-strip techniques to create masks ofprofessional standard on any theme or character (human, animalor fantasy). Commedia dell'arte is given as an example.Project 7: Gods, Dragons & DemonsA resource chapter of mask-making ideas and activities inspired bymythological archetypes, suitable for festivals, parades and plays.Project 8: MasqueradeSuggestions for mask-making techniques involving papier-mâché,clay, plaster of Paris and fibreglass.EpilogueNotesBibliographyIndex