As society dives headfirst into the 21st-century, one cannot deny that there are a number of apparently frivolous concepts which are being sacrificed in the name of technology. Peripheral ideals and out-dated innovations such as LP's, tie-dying, and the ozone layer are being rightfully pushed aside as the world makes ready for bigger and better things. But the question arises, should masks be included within this list of irrelevant notions? To fully comprehend and reply to this one must have a detailed knowledge of mask throughout history, its educational, theatrical and entertainment value, and most importantly, its current appeal and relevancy in the eyes of today's society. To completely understand and appreciate the entirety of masks and the impact they have made one must first know something of their origins and history. It is not surprising that the birth of mask is most apparent in the same country that is credited with the parentage of drama itself, Greece.
             Ancient Greek theatre is most renowned for its tragedy and comedy, including works such as "Oedipus Rex" and "The Wasps." Playwrights such as Sophocles, Euripides, and Aristophanes were capable of 'enthralling their audiences and moving them to strong emotions- apprehension, compassion, sorrow' and joy (EXTENDED STUDY: MASK). But it was their use of mask that warranted them their success. There are two main components within Greek theatrical mask work, that is the actors and the chorus. The actors would wear masks to define the general category of the person to be portrayed. The mask would also be shaped into an emotional position thus revealing the outcome of the play from the beginning. The mask could also be tilted up or down giving different shades of the one mood. The chorus, however, was the backbone of all Greek theatre. Their demeanor and integrity was the product of a visually unified entity through mask. The combination of these effects led to a dra...