To die by your side, is such a heavenly way to die..

*Note: Before I start formally writing this blog, I want to make an observation and a statement.
I just browsed through all of my classmate's blogs like a stalker and realized they all had a original signature of some sort on their page. Either it be their background, style of writing, pictures or quotes, they all have something special.
Well, my something special is going to be.. that before every blog I write, I'm going to put a link of a youtube music video so that the reader may be entertained as they read my blog, and also see what music is inspiring me.
Today's late hour music is a classic.
The light never goes out by The Smiths.*
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INgXzChwipY


Debora Correa: "Actores necesitan inspirarse o tener modelos."


"Muestren que ustedes no hacen magia, solo trabajo." - I forgot whose quote that is.

On tuesday, an artist.. an actress.. a well-known Yuyaskani member came to teach our theater class the mysterious secrets behind the art of masks. She spoke to us about how the Yuyaskani group has been performing for 37 years and the members have mastered a series of different arts to become diverse characters. Arts such as tai chi, dance, and gymnastics have helped these actors and actresses morph into the characters that enlighten and entertain audiences all over the place. Ms. Debora Correa explained the movements and feels of the body are necessary for the correct usage of a mask, but more importantly, to let the mask "borrow" the actor/actresse's body as its own. She got into more detail about how a mask is to be treated and how a mask affects an audience if its well used. The way a mask should be taken care of is by touching the sides of the mask, and never the face itself and never setting it face down on the floor because of its fragile form. Before a mask is worn, it should be analyzed from every angle to familiarize with it. Questions like:
WHO IS IT?
WHAT DOES IT DO?
WHERE DID IT COME FROM?
WHAT DOES IT LIKE?
WHAT DOES IT WANT?
should be aroused.
A mask should be worn with care as if it were an actual face, and even acted with care; meaning that the wearer of a mask should not make rapid movements or turn too much to the side because it takes away the magic from the mask. (Turning to the side makes the mask obvious and rapid movements make the mask less dramatic.)
Body Language:
Debora Correa emphasized that the usage of the back bone is vital to a mask's body. The flexibility of a backbone can easily give the age of the mask.
She explained that the face where the mask is placed has a triangle that evaluates the look and volume of a mask. (body, shoulders, column.)
The eyes should always be dramatic if the mask reveals them. One of her "eye" examples was to attempt to act as if you were looking out a window expressing MAJOR curiosity.

*Note: Here is another song if the other one has ended:
Careless Whispers by Michael
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAquRuqyQQc*

Debora Correa demonstrated her talent and abilities by introducing us to some of her masks.
One of them was an old, army general by the name of "El Corporal."
She showed us that by having the discipline of martial arts and learning the dance, "danza diablada," she was able to capture the essence of the mask. She mentioned that "El Corporal's" character was inspired by the time in Peru that terrorism engulfed the cities and streets.
Another mask she presented was from the storyline called "Encuentro de Zorro" which is about an immigrant from Ayacucho who was inspired by a clay sculpture called, "El Bocon," which translates to someone with a large mouth. Amongst her other masks where:

Ukuku: Huacoyo - Little men or silly adolescents who are usually comedic.

La Gata: A comedy that has been performed for the last 27 years. Her unique way of speaking, having culture, characteristics, animal essence which helps the strut, and the voice.

Debora Correa also explained that depending on what body/facial part is exposed it should utilized well. If a whole facial mask is presented, body language and noises should be at its maximum. If its a speaking mask, the mouth should be exagerated and the voice should be very well practiced, warming up vocal chords was recommended by Ms. Correa. Its the same for the eyes, etc etc.

In the end, the presentation left me wondering.. Would the masks be considered a prop for Valentina and I to work on for our very own Paucartambo play? Are we going to use the masks we bought or are we going to make them out of papermache?
That'd be an adventure.


Goodnight Lima.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6f2vyeO8Hs