tragedy masks
Theatrical sorrowful visages
Tragedy masks are the sorrowful theatrical masks from ancient Greek drama, typically shown alongside comedy masks to represent the two fundamental dramatic modes.
The paired image—one face weeping, one laughing—has become a universal symbol for theater and the performing arts: The tragedy masks adorned the theater's facade.
The downturned mouth and anguished expression represent dramatic works dealing with suffering, fate, and loss.
- comedyWork meant to amuse
- theaterVenue for live drama
- dramaTheatrical art or turmoil
- dramatic artsPerforming on stage
- GreekOf Athenian origin
Greek theater · ancient Greece · Thalia · faces · facial expression · happy sad · sorrow · joy · weeping · laughing · actors · stage · stage play · performance · theatrical · masquerade · disguise · persona
- masksN95, kachina, ancestor spirits, respirator, false face
- theaterplays, stage, play, onstage, acting
- classicsHomer, Iliad, the Iliad, Odyssey, the Odyssey
- greek literature topicsHomer, Iliad, Odyssey, Aesop, fables
- theater historyvaudeville, William Shakespeare, Drury Lane, Christopher Marlowe, Greek comedy
- performing arts in literaturebackstage drama, stage plays, musical theater, chorus line