3074
Whitney Ave.
Bldg. 2, 2nd Floor
Hamden, CT 06518
phone: 203-230-8101
fax: 203-230-8131
FAUSTWORK MASK THEATRE
Mask Theatre
Called “inventive, magical, never less than completely absorbing” by the Toronto Star, Faustwork Mask Theatre presents theatre for all ages. Under the direction of Robert Faust, Faustwork Mask Theatre seeks to transform the moment in a shared learning experience through the use of hand-crafted masks and the power of mime. Faustwork has performed for student and adult audiences internationally since 1983.
"Hilariously hyperbolic...deftly walks the line between adult and children's entertainment so that both are entertained." The New York Times
"FAUSTWORK IS A MUST-SEE...what the International Children's Theatre is all about." Seattle Times
The Mask Messenger (Grades K-12)
This tour de force solo performance explores the artistic, cultural, and psychological use of masks throughout history. A collection of nearly 20 different characters, cuts to the heart of human matters, leaving audiences laughing and learning. The show features silent masks that "talk" using only body language, speaking half-masked characters, an Elvis sighting, crawling creatures, and physical distortions that baffle the eyes, and according to the N.Y. Times, "tickle some sort of primal funny bone."
Length: 45-50 Minutes
Single Performance: $845
Pair of Performances: $1390
Faustwork Mask Theatre Residencies and Workshops
with BEVERLY MANN
MASK THEATRE EDUCATOR, PERFORMER & MASK MAKER
RESIDENCY & WORKSHOP OPTIONS
A performance of “The Mask Messenger” should be booked with all residencies or workshops
Artist-Educator is available throughout the year for bookings
Mask Theatre & Movement Technique – ages 9 and up
A Faustwork residency/workshop introduces participants to mask theatre techniques. These sessions involve theatre and movement exercises, character development, improvisations with masks and the creation of short sketches.
Students will have an opportunity to wear the neutral mask, which leads to an understanding of economy of movement, the expressive or character mask, which focuses on the character’s rhythm and distinctive qualities, and the half-mask, which allows students to identify vocally with the character.
Participants will experience first-hand the transformative power of masks. The importance of movement, posture and gesture on stage and in life is fostered. Self-image and self-expression are enhanced. Strength, flexibility and focus are improved in a fun and safe environment.
Workshop -- 45 minutes – 3 hrs
Residency -- 5 – 10 days. Curriculum can be integrated into the process. A public presentation can (but doesn’t have to) culminate at the end of the residency. The artist-educator will work with teachers to create a residency specific to the school’s needs.
Masks are provided by the artist.
Mask-Making Residency – ages 9 & up
Students will sculpt in clay, working toward the completion of an expressive face from which they can later create a finished mask. Focus is on sculpting a face with specific emotional content that will project well from all angles.
Using clay and papier maché, students will create their own masks and have the opportunity to identify with them physically and vocally. They will experience immediate success in creating “something from nothing”. Older students may also have the opportunity to create a plaster life mask. An optional performance/works in progress with students’ masks could end the residency.
Residency – (10 days)
Materials to be provided by sponsor/school.
Teacher-in-Service Workshop
This hands-on workshop gives educators tools and techniques in mask theatre, movement and mask-making that can be incorporated into classroom and curriculum.
Beverly Mann is an actor, mask theatre performer/educator and mask-maker. She is currently an independent artist working under the umbrella of Faustwork Mask Theatre. From 1993 – 2005, Ms. Mann toured Faustwork’s “Mask Messenger”, a solo mask theatre show, throughout the U.S., Canada, Mozambique, South Africa and Peru, with an appearance on “Good Morning, South Africa.” She was a company member of IMAGO Theatre based in Portland, Oregon from 1986 – ’89 and again in 1992-’93 performing mask, movement and visual illusion touring to 40 states, Germany, Taiwan, Singapore and Hong Kong with appearances on “Good Morning, America” and the Disney special “New Vaudevillians, Too.” She was a company member of TheatreSports, an improvisational theatre company based in Seattle, Washington. Beverly has taught numerous workshops and residencies in mask-making, mask theatre techniques and theatre improvisation throughout Maine, across the U.S. and abroad. She is listed on the Maine Arts Commission Artist’s Roster.
Additional Workshop:
Mask-Movement Workshop
Curriculum Links:
Theatre Arts, History, Art, Life Skills, Physical Education, Visual Arts and Language Arts