A STORY ABOUT MASKS

First masks were made thousands of years ago and over time they have been used in rituals, as a deception, to protect, to disguise themselves, to hide behind and, obviously, to act.
Peeter_van_Bredael_Commedia_dell_arte_Szene

The famous Italian Commedia dell’Arte born by companies of actors and, unlike the court theatre, it was taken on tour. Commedia dell’Arte was built around a number of characters who have never changed. Each character had a mask peculiar to that character, an integral part of the production. The characters were, and still are, immediately...

Pietro_Longhi_009

Masks played a crucial role in everyday Venetian life: with the exception of Advent and Lent, masks could be worn in public throughout the year. Although the bauta could be worn by anyone, there was also a mask which was worn only by women: it was the mask of mystery and seduction. It was called the...