‘Second Skin’ to illustrate magic of masks through theater

“Second Skin,” a well-known theatrical production, will feature the talented Joan Schirle donning 20-30 different masks as she takes her audience on a grand tour into the afterlife on Sunday, March 6 in Russell Auditorium at Georgia College & State University.

Produced by the Dell’ Arte Company, an actor-training program and the only company with an International School of Theater in the United States, “Second Skin” has attracted students not just from the United States, but from all around the world as well.

Schirle, whose credentials include being a founding member and artistic director of Dell’ Arte International School of Physical Theater, has also held positions with institutions such as the Yale School of Drama, Simon Fraser University (Canada), Arhus University (Denmark), in addition to many other notable colleges and theaters. She additionally leads bi-annual study trips to Bali.

“The masks are phenomenal,” said Director of Theatre, Kathleen McGeever, who saw the production in New York three years ago.

“So deep may be desire for transformation, our vision of who we wish we were, or our dissatisfaction with the mask we were born with, that we permanently, even surgically, alter ourselves to seem like a favorite celebrity,” Schirle said in a press release. “Or, like Orpheus braving the underworld to find his Eurydice, it may be love.”

Schirle has received international acclaim for her performances, as well as her work as playwright and director. Critics have described “Second Skin” as “inspiring, funny, beautiful, stunning, moving, magical and a tour de force.”

Though “Second Skin” will be taking place on Spring Break, McGeever is hopeful that the date won’t keep people away.

“I really hope people come out to see this despite the date; I want to see people packed in the theatre for this great show,” McGeever said.

Schirle will also present a workshop on actor movement and special techniques from 10 a.m. to noon Monday, March 7 in Miller 116. Her workshops are highly praised around the world.

General admission for the production is $10. For senior citizens and non GC&SU students, faculty and staff, $6. GC&SU students with a valid student ID will be able to get in for $2. For more information, call 445-4226.

Posted by Colonnade Archives on Mar 4 2005. Filed under Other. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry