Visual Arts

Some of the masks are worth £1000's

The International Mask Festival runs from Friday 19th - Saturday 27th October 2007 at the Glasshouse Arts Centre in Stourbridge.

The first of its kind in the UK, the festival brings together local, national and international mask practitioners in performances, workshops and a brand new mask exhibition.

Various displays of masks from all over the world decorate the Glasshouse, with exhibitions such as 'Lying with the Animals' focusing on animal masks and 'Pantheon of Deities' which reflects traditional African tribal costumes.

Festival Director Michael Chase

Various workshops and performances run throughout the week, giving visitors the chance physically make their own masks.

"The International Mask Festival is about who we are, celebrating our differences and similarities in ways that are both playful and moving," said Festival Director Michael Chase.

"The festival will provide an opportunity to participate in diverse and exciting activities behind and in front of the mask."

Big Top Theatre Tent

Footsbarn

In addition, the Footsbarn Travelling Theatre present an adaptation of A Midsummer Night's Dream in the Big Top Theatre Tent located in the Glasshouse car park.

The French artists weave together a blend of drama, circus, carnival, dance and music whilst wearing some of the masks on display in the Glasshouse.

The first performance takes place on Friday 19th October at 7.30pm. Tickets are priced at £12/£10 concessions. For ticket sales call 01384 399 458 or you can arrive on the night and pay at the door.

One of 300 masks on display

For a full listing of all the exhibitions and workshops taking place over the week visit: www.internationalmaskfestival.com

To browse our photo gallery of the masks and Big Top Theatre, click the link at the top of the page.