At JAM Create Masks with Dañel Malán

Photo by Russell J. Young

Teatro Milagro Artistic Director, Dañel Malán, will take you on a mask-making and movement journey in two JAM classes on Tuesdays, July 9th and 16th.  But before you embark on this fun and creative workshop, let's talk a little bit about masks and the rich history behind one of the most universal objects and forms of art.

The oldest masks that have been discovered are 9,000 years old, held at the Musée "Bible et Terre Sainte" (Paris), and the Israel Museum (Jerusalem).[1] Most likely the practice of mask making is much older – the earliest known anthropomorphic artwork is estimated to be 30,000–40,000 years old[2]. From the Himalayas to Africa, Mexico to New Zealand, hundreds of cultures have used different types of masks for celebrate religious ceremonies, funeral rituals or cultura festivities, among many others important cultural traditions.

In modern and classic theatre masks play a key part, especially in non-western theatre forms. See how masks are made and used, create your own art work, and engage in the creation of a mask-movement piece this July with Dañel at JAM.

Mask-making and movement classes are  Tuesdays July 9th and 16th, 6-9 pm at El Centro Milagro 537 SE Stark St. Portland, OR 97214. Register now! call: 503-236-7253

[1] The Living Tradition of Yup'ik Masks; Anne Feinup-Riordan; University of Washington Press, Seattle, 1996; ISBN 100295975016

[2] "Etymology Online"