Comedy and Tragedy theatrical masks have been associated with theater, film, and television for years. They are the cornerstone and symbolism of the Western dramatic world. They have roots in Ancient Greek Theater and Folklore where their influences survive to the present day.
The masks of comedy and tragedy represent stem from the Ancient Greek Gods Melanpome which was the Muse of Tragedy and Thalia which represents the Muse of comedy and idyllic poetry.
Thalia represented fun, laughter, delight, and hilarity, hence the comedy symbolism. She comes from the Greek verb thallein meaning to flourish or be verdant. Melpomene represents the dramatic, serious, thoughtful, and contemplative theatrical genre, hence the tragic mask symbol.
The name “Melpomene” is actually derived from an Ancient Greek word meaning, “to celebrate with dance and song.” In the early days of her worship, she was considered to be the muse of singing. Over time, the way the people viewed her changed and she became the muse of tragedy. (greekboston.com)
Melpomene was also closely associated with the Greek God Dionysis. He was the god of grapes, wine, fertility, and good times. In some stone statues, she is depicted wearing grapevines over her body. She was also depicted with Dionysis in statues and paintings, however, she always had a mask on her face. Hence the mask associated with good times.
Origin of Theater Masks
The comedy and tragedy masks stem from ancient Greek theatre about 400 BCE. Actors would utilize masks on stage as part of their performance in a large amphitheater setting. Often these masks would have a large opening for the mouth which to speak from. This would make it easier to project rather than speak through a mask with a more modern-day era.
Males would perform in high platform shoes with masks representing a variety of roles. Playwrights of these times (Sophocles and Euripides) had actors use masks to portray Ancient gods and mortal humans both female and male. Masks were utilized in a range of performances including; monologues, chorus, satyr, comedic, dramatic plays, and performance festivals.
The masks they wore were often exaggerated forms of both the male and female form. In Fact, the masks in comedies were very exaggerated and often the actors would have to utilize their whole bodies to portray these types of characters, especially in the Satyr plays during the half time between the Tragic plays.
Also masks made for tragedies had an exaggerated expression with a high forehead, especially in Hellenistic Roman times. The masks were usually made even more dramatic to offset the grandiose setting of the Roman architecture.
What Were Greek Masks Made out of?
An Ancient Gree Mask was made out of materials such as:
- Leather.
- Stiffened linen
- wood.
- cork.
- The wig consists of animal or human hair.
These masks were worn by men who played a variety of roles on stage where they needed enough space to speak out of. This was genius considering the ancient amphitheaters which were used, provided very good acoustics for the audience.
This is an example or replica of an Ancient Greek mask. You can see the opening of the mouth for speaking through. The mask itself has its emotion already crafted into it, which in this case the symbol would represent the tragic mask.
Ancient Mask Etiquette
The actors would have to change their masks to portray different characters throughout a given play, sometimes these roles were often female. Or they had to change from one comedic character to another.
Accompanied by these masks, the actors would have had to use exaggerated body movements, hand, and arm gestures to portray the character’s sentiments and personality. Often when changing their masks over on stage in an amphitheater, the actor would turn their backs to the audience and face the background backdrop or skene. They would change their masks, turn around and perform.
It was and still is today in modern-day theater, considered ill-mannered to change your mask in front of the audience, hence why many actors performing neutral or character masks work, turn their backs to the audience while changing.
Comedy and Tragedy Costume Accessories
As was the custom in Ancient Greece, the actors would typically wear flat sandal type shoes when acting Comedy, however when acting Tragic or epic theater, they would wear high platform shoes such as Corthornus.
If you interested in obtaining a pair of male Greek Sandals for a fancy dress or for Cosplay check out the current pricing here.
Why Do Theater Companies Use The Comedy & Tragedy Masks
In simple terms, the reason why many theaters and or entertainment companies use this particular symbol is down to the use of one of the most recognized theater symbols out there. For example in my own (author’s) company, I have my own symbol utilizing the images.
This is the Real Theatre Company which operates in Napier New Zealand.
How To Draw Your Own Comedy and Theater Masks
So you really like the representation and you want to use the mask symbols in a production flyer, or you are setting up a new theater company. Or you simply want to draw the comedy and tragedy symbols because they are intriguing. Below is a video that shows you how to draw them in an easy simply way.
How Do You Make a Comedy and Theater Mask?
There are a number of ways you can make a theater mask, but the following videos show you how you can use a variety of household materials to make your own. Quite similar to the ancient Greek masks, the materials are usually things that you’d have in your house. Remember that your mask needs to be able to have someone speak through it as the ancients did many years ago.
In this video the mask maker uses rope, string, cardboard, cutting knife, range of spray paints and tape. A pretty ingenious end result.
Why No Original Ancient Masks Survive to this Day?
You might be surprised to know that there are no original (ancient) Greek masks that have survived through the ages to the present day. The masks were made out of perishable materials, which would have made it impossible for some to survive to a recognisable stage.
We know about these masks due to ancient artists’ depictions and artworks on ancient Greek artworks and vases. Allusions in dramatic plays by playwrights were also written in ancient Greek dramatic works. Certain terracotta masks which were replicas of the original masks were used in ceremonies and were dedicated to temples. These also indicated what the original masks used to look like.
Interestingly, these masks were very elaborate and large, and the weight would probably have restricted oxygen to the actor.
If you love these the comedy and tragedy theme, why not have it with you by buying a gold pendant.
In Conclusion, Comedy and Tragedy Masks are a visual and physical symbol of ancient, modern-day theater and entertainment. With origins in Ancient Greek and Roman theater, these masks have represented the tragic and happier moments of the human psyche.
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