neutral mask
- a learning tool for actors -
to help develop emotional honesty, economy of movement,
and to open an inner core that is balanced, centred and focused
while they express powerful, authentic emotions on stage.
Above all, a study of the Neutral Mask is
research into the basics of movement and creation.

When wearing the mask, we attempt to enter a state of openness,
a forward moving, physically engaged curiosity with the world around us.  The
mask is a tool through which we learn
the elements of movement intentionality and technique.
We experience a sense of wholeness and well-being.
We may find ourselves doing unexpected things -
being impelled to obey the choices imposed by the mask,
and finally being taken over by it.

"There are 3 masks:
the one we think we are,
the one we really are,
and the one we have in common.
Neutral mask is the one we really are,
the one that allows us to take off all the other masks.
Neutral is holding the centre -
moving with grace, dignity, power, and direction.
To relax our attention into the present moment is extraordinarily simple, but for
most of us, it demands a lifetime of practice."

Jacques le Coq


"Neutral mask allows those who wear it
to get in touch with their core being,
their most authentic, intuitive self.
The mask encourages a sense of wholeness,
of physical, emotional, and intellectual centredness.
In the mask one lives in the moment,
questioning nothing,
yet empowered to make changes as needed.
It integrates mind and body,
clarifies impulse and allows the wearer to experience
the power and increased presence that come from
absolute self-acceptance.
Energy that formerly would be wasted on self-doubt
and critical comments about a given situation
is now used on problem solving.
Neutral mask allows you to take off all the other masks."
                                                            
Jan Henderson


"The concept of neutral or zero is needed
to measure time, space, rhythm, force,
and also personality,
for characterization is measured by it's departure from neutral.
It frees the actor to discover
what only exists in himself,
that by cocking a sensitive ear
he could hear in himself movements
          he could never have detected any other way."                                       
  
Peter Brook


"We shall never cease from exploration
And the end of all our exploring
Will be to arrive where we started
And to know the place for the first time."
     
T.S. Eliot