Playing the Mask: Acting Without Bullshit by John Wright

In this book, inspiring teacher and guru of improvisation John Wright takes us into the realm of masks, an area of work which seems specialised yet has much to teach us about the essence of acting. Anyone who has ever tried on a mask will be aware of how a seemingly dead piece of material can bring its own spirit to life on the stage. When our face is hidden we become more powerful, less vulnerable and as Wright explains, more able to take risks.

'Masks are empowering... They enable you to take risks. They provoke you into working with the reckless logic of a six-year-old or the enigmatic stillness of someone wiser than you'll ever be. But above all, masks let you be you without your habitual limitations.'

Having enjoyed several workshops with John, I am well aware of the playful element he brings to theatre-making and it is this that he emphasises here. He contrasts the dry theoretical Daniel Day-Lewis approach to acting with the playful experience of being in the now, an experience heightened by the use of mask. Without embodying any particular school of theatre he somehow draws upon Lecoq, physical theatre, Philippe Gaulier, Keith Johnstone and many others to fashion his own unique take on playfulness in theatre-making.

Wright takes us on a whistle-stop tour through theatre gurus to show how his own approach has been shaped, then explores half-mask, full mask and archetypes. There are of course many games along the way. The book uses plenty of photos, monochrome and colour to illustrate a variety of masks. As in his previous book Why Is That So Funny? Wright brings his teaching alive through an anarchic sense of humour and colourful storytelling, highlighting his wide experience and understanding of theatre. This makes the experience of reading the book highly enjoyable as well as instructive.