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Masks
The hannia, or daemonic masks, are different.
The hannia in Awoi no Uye is lofty in feeling; that
of Dojoji is base. They are very different. The
masks of Shunkan, Semimaru, Kagekiyo, and Yoro-boshi
cannot be used for any other parts. Kontan's
mask can be used for several parts, as, for example,
the second shite in Takasago. Of course if one
has only one hannia mask one must use it for all
hannia, but it is better not to do so. The Adachigahara
hannia is the lowest in feeling.
Fifty years ago they tried to copy the old masks
exactly. The Shogun had Kanze's masks copied
even to the old spots. Now it is difficult to get good
sculptors.
Turning the head is very difficult, for the actor
must be one piece with the mask.
An ordinary mask is worth 30 yen; a great one,
200. At first one cannot distinguish between them.
But the longer you look at a good mask the more
charged with life it becomes. A common actor
cannot use a really good mask. He cannot make
himself one with it. A great actor makes it live.
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