Neutral Mask I
Students may discover the ability to witness their unlimited possibilities. With the assistance of a shamanic orchestra of found objects, and Ms. Wyant’s collection of masks, students will discover immediate accesses to the power of the imagination. Students will work in pairs and all members of the class participate in this transformation exercise. The actions of greeting, beckoning, and throwing imaginary objects through space occur in a carefully orchestrated environment designed to touch the mythic imagination of all concerned.
Neutral Mask II
Building on all of the freedom of physical expression experienced in Neutral Mask one, we move forward into a world of storytelling. Here we choose stories and the beginning middle and end necessary to tell the story. We look to mythology, fairy tales, the Bible, Shakespeare and any great stories from the world cannon to explore hinge moments. Hinge moments are specific moments of profound change where the world of the character changes dramatically and the body tells the story. We explore characters of size; gods, goddesses, kings and queens of all genders as well as monsters and creatures enabling us to stretch the possibilities of our physical expression. We accomplish this by utilizing the tools of the breath, the specificity of footfall, the use of the knees and the power of focus.
Shelley Wyant has studied with Pierre LeFevre who originally devised the theatrical mask work with Michel St. Dennis and developed it further at Juilliard, in Paris with Jacque Le Coc, and in Bali with Idi Bagus Anom.
Please watch this short video and visit Shelley’s website for more details.
Teacher: Shelley Wyant
Prerequisites: None