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It was the tradition of the ancient Greek Theatre and the style is also to be found in the modern world in some Asian theatre traditions. The mask defines the character/mood of the character and the audiences learn to associate certain mask faces with particular roles.

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Q: Why did ancient Greek actors wear different types of masks?
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Who made masks in the ancient greek?

In the ancient Greek theatres by the actors.


Why was The House of Masks important in Ancient Greece?

The so-called House of Masks in Delos was probably a boarding house for actors who performed in the theatre wearing the masks.


Where did greek actors go to change masks and costumes?

they would leave town


What kind of people used the roman theater masks in ancient rome?

Actors would use theatre's masks. Brown for men and white for women because women were not allowed to be actors. The masks had simple faces happy for comedic theatre shows and sad for tragic theatre masks.


Why did Greek actors wear masks?

The use of masks in ancient greek theater draw their origin from the ancient dionysiac cult. Thespis was the first writer, who used a mask. The members of the chorus wore masks, usually similar to each other but completely different from the leading actors. Picture 1 portrays a sort of mask suitable for the chorus. Because the number of actors varied from one to three, they had to put on different masks, in order to play more roles. The actors were all men. The mask was therefor necessary to let them play the female roles. Picture 2 portrays a woman's mask. Some people claim that the masks had one more significance : they added resonnance to the voice of an actor so that everyone in the huge ancient theater could hear him (Baldry 1971). I do not quite agree with that point of view. I think it's enough for someone to attend a modern performance of a play in the ancient theater of Epidavros to feel the perfection of the acoustics in an ancient theater. Even the audiance of the last row can hear a whisper from the orchestra. An interesting idea (Wiles 1991) is that the mask could give to the character some sort of universality, creating an average figure, so that the audiance would judge him on his actions and not his appearance. Certainly that was a result of the use of the mask but I am not quite convinced that it was one of the purposes of its use. Usually the masks were made of linen, wood, or leather. A marble or stone face was used as a mould for the mask. Human or animal hair was also used. The eyes were fully drawn but in the place of the pupil of the eye was a small hole so that the actor could see.

Related questions

Who made masks in the ancient greek?

In the ancient Greek theatres by the actors.


Who used ancient masks?

Egyptians and Celts Greek's.


When were greek bird masks made?

In the Ancient Greek times in a place called Greece.


What color is ancient greek masks?

red gold silver and maybe black


Did ancient Romans wear mask in plays?

Yes, they followed the Greek customs to have characters represented by masks which depicted their main traits. All actors where men. They also played female roles, which they could do thanks to the masks.


Why was The House of Masks important in Ancient Greece?

The so-called House of Masks in Delos was probably a boarding house for actors who performed in the theatre wearing the masks.


Why did Greek actors wear masks during a performance?

Greek theatrical masks are used so men can pretend to be woman and so they can play several parts. They also used masks so the people at the back can see there face expressions. The uses of masks in ancient Greek theatre draw their origin from the ancient dionysiac culture. Thespis was the first writer, who used a mask. Usually the masks were made of linen, wood, or leather. A marble or stone face was used as a mould for the mask. Human or animal hair was also used. The eyes were fully drawn but in the place of the pupil of the eye was a small hole so that the actor could see. Some people claim that the masks had one more significance they added resonance to the voice of an actor so that everyone in the huge ancient theatre could hear him. The members of the chorus wore masks, usually similar to each other but completely different from the leading actors.


Where did the theater masks come from?

The two masks represent comedy and tragedy. They are symbols of ancient Greek muses; Thalia, the muse of comedy and Melpomene, the muse of tragedy.


Where did greek actors go to change masks and costumes?

they would leave town


What kind of people used the roman theater masks in ancient rome?

Actors would use theatre's masks. Brown for men and white for women because women were not allowed to be actors. The masks had simple faces happy for comedic theatre shows and sad for tragic theatre masks.


Why did the actors where masks?

because they want to look different every time


Why do commedia dell' arte characters wear masks?

Actors wear masks to show different emotions and so male actors are able to play characters who are women.