Mammoth mask exhibition takes shape (From Stourbridge News)

Mammoth mask exhibition takes shape

5:16pm Monday 17th September 2007

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MORE than 300 masks from around the globe are set to go on display as part of the UK's first ever International Mask Festival being held in Stourbridge next month.

Amblecote's Glasshouse Arts Centre in Wollaston Road is hosting the event from October 19 to 27 - and the weird and wonderful collection of masks will be on display in the Lower Glasshouse.

Among the mammoth Face to Face exhibition will be masks by Italy's famous Sartori Family, traditional Japanese masks dating back to the 13th century and creations by Trestle Theatre - one of the UK's leading mask companies, plus masks crafted by schoolchildren across the borough.

Festival director Mike Chase - who specialises in mask design, creation and performance - said: "This has been a dream of mine for close on ten years "It's going to be an extraordinary exhibition. There's a wonderful variety of traditional and contemporary masks and up to 200 created by children in the borough of Dudley.

"It's incredibly exciting - I've never seen so many masks in one place in my life and I've been working in this field for many years."

A number of the masks will be auctioned off after the festival, which is supported by England's Arts Council, Dudley Performing Arts and Black Country Touring.

As well as the exhibition - the event will feature performances both at the Glasshouse and at Stourbridge Town Hall, including magical masked versions of A Midsummer Night's Dream and Alice in Wonderland - plus workshops delivered by some of the world's top mask-makers.

For a full programme of festival events go to www.internationalmaskfestival.com or call 01384 399458.

To book tickets for shows call the box office - 01384 812812 - or to book workshop places go to 01384 399430.

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