Comparative Analysis of Traditional and Contemporary Mask Usage in Modern Theatre

Thesis Abstract

The use of masks in theatre has historically served as a potent symbolic device, facilitating cultural storytelling and character representation, yet the transition from traditional to contemporary mask practices in modern theatre remains underexplored. This study investigates the comparative usage, significance, and interpretative functions of traditional versus contemporary masks within diverse theatrical contexts, aiming to bridge the theoretical and practical understanding of mask evolution in contemporary performance art. The research specifically aims to assess the aesthetic, cultural, and performative differences between traditional and modern mask practices, evaluate their audience reception, and analyze how these practices influence theatrical storytelling and actor-audience interactions. To achieve these objectives, a mixed-methods research design was employed, integrating qualitative phenomenological analysis with quantitative descriptive and inferential statistics. The population of the study comprised professional theatre practitioners, costume designers, and academic scholars involved in mask theatre productions within a metropolitan region with a rich theatrical scene. A purposive sampling method selected 40 participants, including 15 traditional mask practitioners, 15 contemporary mask artists, and 10 theatre scholars. Data collection instruments included semi-structured interview guides, participant observation checklists, and a structured questionnaire assessing audience perceptions, which was administered to 200 theatre-goers across 10 theatre venues during performances featuring traditional and contemporary masks. The validity and reliability of the instruments were established through pilot testing and expert validation, with a reliability coefficient of 0.85 confirmed via Cronbach’s alpha. Data analysis involved thematic analysis for qualitative data to decode ongoing cultural and symbolic meanings, as well as statistical techniques such as independent samples t-tests, ANOVA, and multiple regression analysis to identify significant differences and predictors related to mask usage and audience perception. The study anticipates revealing that traditional masks tend to emphasize cultural continuity, spiritual symbolism, and direct storytelling rooted in longstanding cultural narratives, whereas contemporary masks prioritize innovation, abstract artistry, and experimental visual aesthetics, possibly affecting audience engagement differently. It is expected that findings will highlight notable aesthetic and interpretative differences, and the influence of cultural context on mask application. The research contributes to knowledge by providing an empirical comparative framework that integrates cultural symbolism theories and performativity models, such as Richard Schechner’s performance theory and Victor Turner’s social drama theory, to explain how masks function within theatrical rituals and modern adaptations. Furthermore, the study aims to propose a typology of mask functions based on aesthetic, cultural, and performative dimensions. The main conclusion posits that integrating traditional and contemporary mask practices can enhance theatrical storytelling through a nuanced understanding of their respective cultural significance and performative potentials. Recommendations include capacity-building workshops for theatre practitioners, integration of cultural heritage elements in contemporary mask design, and further cross-cultural studies to explore the global applicability of the findings. Overall, the study advances scholarly discourse on mask theatre by providing a comprehensive, evidence-based comparative analysis that bridges cultural traditions and contemporary innovations, fostering a deeper appreciation of mask usage as a dynamic and evolving theatrical device.