Masking Unmasked: Four Approaches to Basic Acting is written by Eli Simon, Head of Acting at the University of California, Irvine in the U.S.A. It fits well into that academic practitioner-led series of actor training works already existing in the field by Libby Appel and Bari Rolfe. The book shows how mask acting can be used to develop character and movement in relation to mask size and type: full-face, bag masks; clowning; and half face commedia masks. Each of these mask types is associated with exercises and techniques to explore transformation, character range, spontaneity, audience connection and creativity in approaching character creation. Useful for drama lecturers and teachers in higher education and acting schools. 181pp. 31 b/w photographs.
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