“Máscara Neutra”, Filipe Crawford

An initiative within the CAMINHOS network of cultural programs.

DURATION: 12 hours

General Public

CONDITIONS OF ACCESS: Registration through: seducativo.teatrovirginia@cm-torresnovas.pt

Mask Technique is a system for learning the art of acting where the use of a mask dictates a set of laws and rules, creating a concrete methodology for the actor. Inspired by the Western heritage of ancient Greek theater and the Renaissance Commedia dell’Arte, Mask Technique has its origins in the work of some 19th-20th century theater directors and educators, such as Jacques Copeau and Jacques Lecqoc in France, or Giorgio Strehler in Italy. They were responsible for reviving masked theater, developing and refining a technique for the actor that currently has numerous followers around the world.

The internship, to be held for the CAMINHOS program in Torres Novas on October 18 and 19, 2025, will include, on the first day of training, a brief theoretical introduction to the Mask Technique and practical exercises to prepare for the art of acting: body and movement work; gaze, gesture, stage presence, the work of the choruses of Greek tragedy, and an introduction to the technique of Improvisation. On the second day, the Neutral Mask will be presented through a theoretical explanation of its history and use. This will be followed by practical exercises introducing the use of this mask, encompassing gestural theater, mime, and pantomime. The internship concludes with improvisations using the Neutral Mask, which is the basic mask for theatrical work using the mask technique.

Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM