ABOUT FACE: MASKS OF THE WORLD, UNMASKED!

. . . . .

“Beyond Noh” is short documentary film by Patrick Smith that dives into the subject of masks. The movie shows off 3,475 different masks from around the globe.

The video here is an excerpt from the film. The masks are from vastly different cultures, ancient and modern, some for ceremony and traditional arts, some for utility and protection, some for fun and entertainment. There’s a Pokemon Pikachu halloween mask, as well as an N95 mask worn by hospital staff (and, in the COVID Era, anybody who can get their hands on one.) See pix below.

The “Noh” in the title refers to a traditional form of Japanese minimalist, classical theatre performed since the 1300s. “Noh” actors wear masks to represent different characters throughout a performance.