You’re Invited….

 As Halloween approaches, why not blend the art of mask making with Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet?  Our students can certainly relate to costume parties, but they may not know anything about masked balls.  First, let’s give a brief introduction into the history of mask making.

Students should know that masks existed prior to the Middle Ages.  Ancient Greeks and Romans used masks to transform themselves to communicate with forces of nature that they believed were supreme beings.  Eventually, the use of masks turned into entertainment purposes used during  plays, feasts, festivals, and parades. 

Early Christian priests wore masks to dramatize Biblical stories.   However, in 1207, the Pope forbid priests to wear masks, so the towns people used them to hold plays outside the churchyards.

Carnival or Mardi Gras adopted the festival and the wearing of masks for the party 40 days before lent.  During carnival, wearing elaborate masks became customary, especially at masked balls of the wealthy.  Masks allowed for the abolishment of rules and indulging in total excess. 

The most well-known mask outside of Europe, is the Japanese Noh Masks.   These were worn during musical plays about Buddhist monks.  There are at least 125 different types of Noh Masks.

For a look at some of the most intricate masks created today, search for the Carnival of Venice. 

While studying Romeo and Juliet, tell the class that they have been invited to the Capulet’s Ball, and a mask is part of the dress code, so they’ll have to make one tonight.  And, give a prize as the class decides upon the following awards:

Most original design

Most Colorful

Most unique materials

Most carefully created

Wildest

Funniest

Design that best represents a character in Romeo and Juliet.