theatrical masks
Drama's twin symbols
Theatrical masks are the paired symbols of drama—one smiling, one frowning—representing comedy and tragedy.
Derived from ancient Greek theater, where actors wore masks to project emotions to distant audiences, the image now serves as a universal emblem for the performing arts: The theatrical masks hung above the stage door.
The symbol appears on theater programs, awards, and tattoos favored by actors.
- disguiseIdentity-concealing alteration
- masqueradeDeceptive act or costume party
- costume partyEvent with themed attire
- hidden identityConcealed true self
- Greek tragedyClassical dramatic form featuring downfall
comedy and tragedy · drama masks · archetypes · farce · duality · characterization · facial expression · expression · ceremonial masks · transformation · performance · parody · Scaramouche · stage performance · ritual masks · papier-mâché · improvisation · shadow play
- Shakespeare ImageryGlobe Theatre, stage design, quill pen, balcony scene
- Greek TheaterGreek tragedy, tragedy, Greek drama, comedy, Sophocles
- theater historyGreek tragedy, vaudeville, William Shakespeare, Drury Lane, Christopher Marlowe
- ancient artsculpture, sculptures, pottery, mosaics, murals
- Ancient Theaterskene, orchestra, cavea, proscenium, vomitorium
- DionysusDionysus, maenad, bacchantes, bacchante, grape vines
theatrical masksspontaneous expression
Unpremeditated emotional display