Express Yourself with Greek Comedy/Tragedy Masks

Help your child create their very own Greek comedy or tragedy mask using papier mache! The technique of using masks goes back all the way to the very first theater plays ever made in 300 BC. Since they would only be able to use the expression on the mask, these tools encouraged actors to be more creative with body language and voice. Your child will be able to experiment with expressing himself through his own mask and the limitless plays he can perform while using it!

What You Need:

• Cardstock
• Styrofoam
• White glue
• Staple
• Wallpaper paste
• Water
• Mixing bowl
• Strips of newspaper
• Tempera paint
• Paintbrushes
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Stapler

What You Do:

1. Have your child draw the shape of a face on the cardstock. He can draw in ovals for the eyes and the shape of the mouth. Draw a 1” line at the top and bottom of the face shape.
2. Cut out the face shape, eyes and mouth. Also, cut the 1” lines.
3. At the bottom of the mask, fold the cut line on top of itself and staple it to create a three-dimensional appearance. Repeat this with the line at the top of the mask.
4. Have your child cut out pieces of styrofoam to build up the understructure of the face. He can glue these into position with white glue.
5. Mix the wallpaper paste and water according to the package. An alternative recipe is below under “Helpful Hints”.
6. Dip one strip of newspaper at a time into the paste and run it through your fingers to wipe off the excess glue. Apply each strip smoothly on top of the mask covering the cardstock and styrofoam. Build this up to at least 3 layers. Allow to dry overnight.
7. He can now paint his mask any colors he chooses. Traditionally, Greek masks were either metallic or white. Allow to dry.
8. Time to play! Create a comedy or tragedy play and use your mask to help tell the story – just like the ancient Greeks!

Helpful Hints: An option for the papier mache paste is to mix 50% white glue with 50% white flour. Mix it until the flour is stiff and covered with glue. Add water in small amounts while stirring until it reaches a consistency similar to pea soup. This will keep in a closed container for up to three days.