The Essential Greek Masks

With Oedipus being a classic Greek Tragedy, one important part to the authenticity of the performance is the use of masks. It provides a sense of unity to the cast and is a tradition for Greek plays. Although they do not serve the same purpose they did in ancient times, it still acts as an essential aspect and provides an authentic experience. Although they are meant to unify, the actual masks themselves had different attributes attached to differentiate them from each other. As stated from the primary source Iulius Pollux on Scenes, Machines, and Masks, different characters had different masks. For example, young men's masks "are the common, curled, more curled, graceful,..." (Pollux 10). This could be contrasted by the tragic hero himself, such as Oedipus, who's mask is "...[a] smooth-faced man, a white, grisled, black haired..." (Pollux 10). Although they are different, all masks are essential to the uniformity and representation of Ancient Greek Tragedies.


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Pollux, Iulius. "Pollux On Scenes, Machines, and Masks." A Source Book in Theatrical History. Comp. A. M. Nagler. New York: Dover Publications, Inc., Print.