What is Anti-Masque?
Anti-Masque is an exaggerated, restless performance that occurs as part of parades in the presentation of the mask, formal performance including dance, complicated costumes and decorated orchards. Masque was a popular form of entertainment in court in England 16 and 17th century. Anti-Masque was introduced at the beginning of the 16th century. Playwright Ben Jonson is generally attributed to the addition of this innovation to increase dramatic tension and interest. At the top of this form of entertainment, some courtiers joined, perform complicated and complex dances, sometimes with their identity hidden behind masks. The performance of the anti-Masque usually took place at the beginning or as Interlude, and usually included professional actors rather than courts for the subject.
In this performance segment, players would be rude and rough, allowing the main mask to provide a form of solutions. This was usually designed to flatter the patron of the performance; Anti-Masque could represent popular political enemies, for example, while the mask would be an allegoryFor a monarch who could restore order and grace. The introduction of an element of conflict with anti-masec performance joined the feeling of parades and also increased the chances that the patron would be pleased with flattering solutions.
Anti-Masque actors would wear dramatic, grotesque costumes and masks along with heavy makeup. Some were designed to be frightening, while in other cases the element of a comedy that ridiculed the objects of anti-masses was introduced. For example, an artist dressed as a politician could participate in gross jokes based on physical humor and intentionally stumble, fall and move in steadfastly and embarrassing. The level of dramatization depended on the performance and instructions from the creator, which was always careful to adapt to the patron of the patron.
The performance of this nature continued beyond their popularity, but became much less common. Up to 20th century, dramatics still produced masquearies, iwhen usually as a formal performance for the public rather than private actions in court. These events retained pomp and procession, but in their stories they relied less on allegories. The aim was not to flatter the viewer, but to tell the story and maintain a traditional art form.