Many Faces, Many Meanings In Masque

By Larissa Lytwyn

Larry Hunt, a performer with the internationally known mask/movement company, Masque, recently bedazzled Newtown Middle School audiences with a program that made painted masks of clay and rubber literally come to life.

Mr Hunt’s was the latest in Newtown schools’ ongoing Cultural Arts series.

As she watched Mr Hunt perform, Newtown Middle School Cultural Arts Chair Andrea Spencer whispered, “This is what cultural arts is all about!”

Ironically, Mr Hunt seemed to blend easily with his audience members, many of who were clad in Wacky Wednesday outfits ranging from mismatched clothes to oversized hats and accessories.

Wacky Wednesday was celebrated Thursday in lieu of the previous day’s snow day.

“All of my masks are handmade, and so are my costumes,” said Mr Hunt.

He has spent more than 20 years carefully honing programs including Animan and Commedia del’ Arte, both of which Newtown Middle School students had the chance to sample.

The message behind Animan is to communicate the similarities between humans and other animals, he said. He works with masks inspired by creatures from all over the globe, including African lions and a self-styled hybrid of Australian rodent immortalized in an unforgettable bug-eyed creature that interacts with audience members.

One girl noticeably stiffened as Mr-Hunt-as-rodent slid up against her chair, affixing her with an intense stare.

“He really keeps his audience transfixed,” said Ms Spencer.

Mr Hunt then impersonated an old man, part of his Commedia del’ Arte series.

Against the musical backdrop of a contemplative instrumental piece, Mr Hunt-as-the-old-man lifted a single red carnation skyward, an expression of “hope.”

Other characters included Quincy, a Howdy Doody-inspired man-child who Mr Hunt has used in educational productions on some of Shakespeare’s most prominent works, including Romeo and Juliet and the Taming of the Shrew.

Lastly, Mr Hunt discussed a mask he made in the shape of his then-infant son’s face.

“Now my son is in 23,” Mr Hunt said with a grin.

Donning the child-mask against a curtain of black robing, Mr Hunt twisted and turned in movements that were unmistakably childlike.

He encouraged his young audience to remember their “similarities over their differences” and not hesitate to embrace the performing arts if it was their true passion.

Mr Hunt, in conjunction with International Arts Management, produces theater performances and workshops for schools K–8, universities and other functions.

For more information on Mr Hunt, visit www.hometown.aol.com/maskwaljh/myhomepage/.