This five-day workshop is an introduction to the fun and playfulness of theatrical masks.
Participants would be guided to play through 3 different styles of mask (see below) within the workshop which is a supported place for people to participate in activities focused on breath, movement and technique to embody and play a multitude of characters.
Using the masks that I’ve created, participants would have a chance to explore masks, connect, to move, increase their theatrical skills and to laugh through the journey of theatrical mask
Types of mask
Larval Masks
These masks create a space of sensitivity and naivety.
Through breath, amplification of movement they introduce people to the silent world where these characters come to life
(2 days)
Full Expressive Masks
Building on from the techniques of the Larval masks, these full expressive masks take a step towards the human, extending the journey into dramatic territories and characters.
(2 days)
Half Expressive Masks
The voice arrives with these masks along with the energetic rigor of comedia del arte play.
(1 day)
This workshop is based on what I learned through my training at Helikos International School of Theatre Creation with Giovanni Fusetti and the Atelier Mask Movement Theatre with Matteo Destro, from the Lecoq lineage of theatre training.
My inspiration for running workshops is based on my personal experiences of being a participant in clown, theatre mask and movement workshops in the past.
What I learned, enjoyed and continue to incorporate into my creative processes as a performer, deviser and mask maker.
The masks that I make are theatrical masks, they are only really considered complete being played on the stage by the performers.
facilitator – beth twentyman
I am a mask maker, teacher and performance artist who lives and works in Melbourne. I ave a bachelor’s degree in Performance Studies, Masters in Speech Pathology and have studied theatre creation in Italy in 2013 and 2016.
Most recently I completed 3 months pedagogical training, in order to run workshops and classes.
In 2019, I worked at the John Bolton School of Theatre as a sessional teacher for Larval masks and also a six-week mask making and playing course.
Melbourne Masks & Theatre 