Marc Reck

While i have learnt a lot about the world of masks, performance and workshops from Pyn, i have never participated in one, so i had a mixture of emotions about it,and wasnt sure what to expect. What i found were lots of performers, all lovely people, and a fairly energetic workshop, beginning with a game of tag, then stick in the mud, to get us all limbered up, before another drama game of leading with different body parts and noticing how it made us feel.

Splitting up into 2 groups, we were then taken through some basic mask performance techniques, beginning with picking a mask that fitted, and then meeting its character, before physicalising it in front of the other group. While there was only a few masks that would fit over my big dreadlocks, i really enjoyed this, and found a certain ease with performance, spurred on from the postive reactions from my peers, which helped calm any nerves i had. The workshop then went onto simple performance actions with the oness being on obvius actions in order to communicate to the audience without words. All in all a great workshop, and i have know a deeper interest in both masks and performance.

After a couple of drinks in the local pub, we then went back to the festival for the Dance of the Gods performance held in a big top tent. This was how it was described.

“Dynamic dance and powerful drumming in elaborate traditional African costume.

Pantheon of Deities is a fast and furious annual festive dance from Yoruba. The origin of this dance comes from the Yoruba’s belief that they must contact the gods through their deities (lesser gods). Each of the masks in this performance represents the ancestors who represent the community as protectors and cleansers of unwanted spirits, purifying the environments and bringing sanity and peace.”

We both enjoyed the performance, though an hour and half was a little too long for me, and didnt really hit the parts that something like the Young Zulu Warriors had at the recent rootsville festival. Great vibe though, and we all got to dance with them at the end, which made me very happy

The mask festival is on for th next few days and i would definitly encourage you to check it out. Its a train from brum to stourbridge junction, and then a fiver taxi, or another train and bus. The bus and train day tripper tickets are only £4.70 for the whole jounrney.