SAMUEL'S WORK
Maskmaking: Commedia dell'Arte Masks
Commedia dell'arte is a centuries-old theatrical tradition originating in 16th-century Italy. Troupes of street performers drew crowds by performing improvised plays using stock characters identified by their masks. Originally, Commedia masks were made with leather and cloth; I made the masks pictured here with a sturdy paper mache base. These masks were created for a production of "Isabella e la Bestia" (Beauty and the Beast) at the Davis Performing Arts Center in Columbus, Ohio.
Performance: The Secret Garden
Produced by Phoenix Theatre Circle and the Columbus Association for Performing Arts, Columbus Ohio. Presented in New Haven, CT and Columbus, OH