| Masks
Commedia Zuppa designs and builds masks for performance and classroom exploration. Full masks based on the Four Emotions and the Seven Deadly Sins are designed to give actors a source for large physical choices and to help them expand their normal range of movement and gestural language.
Commedia Dell'Arte half-masks expose the mouth for performance with text. Both are suitable for mask theatre pieces as well as rehearsal work. Neutral masks allow the actor and coach to focus on the body by removing facial expression.
Made from neoprene, our masks are durable and carry a lifetime guarantee against cracks or chips
in normal wear. The material is comparable to leather in its gentle flexibility, but is more suitable for heavy use with an easily cleaned non-porous inside surface.
Images and prices available on the SHOP page.
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Seven Deadly Sins
"It is not the emotion than an actor has that gives substance to a character but what the actor knows about that emotion."
By playing the physicalization of extreme vice, the actor can explore the gestures, postures and ultimately the inner engine of these emotional states.
Pictured:
(top L-R): Gluttony, Pride, Anger
(bottom L-R): Greed, Envy, Sloth, Lechery |
Dell'Arte Masks
Depicting eight of the traditional characters, Commedia's origins as the "barnyard of the theatre world" (Dario Fo) are clear in this set of masks. Drawing inspiration from period depictions of Commedia performers and characters, and with a nod to the animals from which the characters often draw their names, these masks are designed for maximum playability and clarity of personality.
Actors can explore truth in size by working with the
larger reality of these characters, as well as exploring archetypal walks, postures, and lazzi or performing texts from Moliere to Scapino!
Pictured:
(top L-R): Capitano, Pantalone, Stupino/zanni, Dottore
(bottom L-R): Stupina/zanni, Arlecchino, Tartaglia, Brighella. |
Emotion Masks
Depicting the four basic emotions, Happy, Sad, Anger, and Fear, these masks are suitable for exploring the physicalization of emotions.
They also work as character masks, with each mask having a strong countermask (frequently Cunning, Offended, notty, and Surprised) as well as countless variations for the actor to discover within the mask.
Because theemotions depicted are so clear, work in these masks translates well to work with text and subtext, with the actors learning to play both the surface intention and the underlying motivation of a character. |
Neutral Masks
Suitable for work in identifying and releasing tension and physical habits, these masks present a neutral face so that the actor and coach may focus on the body.
Also appropriate for encouraging expressiveness in the body by removing facial expression as the keyemotional signifier. |
Custom Masks
Custom work is available to your own specifications. Past creations have included the Lion (Wizard of Oz, Androcles and the Lion), the Wolf (Into the Woods), Bottom (Midsummer), and fantasy masks. For a quote, please call or email us, and we'll be happy to discuss your needs.
Custom masks take 8 weeks +, and clients are provided with sketches and digital photos of the maquette during the process. Neoprene, papier-mache, other materials. |
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