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MopKrayz Elite user 423 Posts |
Anyone ever encountered any publication or article about the quick change face masks as performed in traditional chinese/japanese opera houses?
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Alex Tan Loyal user Singapore 290 Posts |
I perform the Sichuan Opera Mask Change act.
I wrote some stuff on my blog http://www.alexthemagician.blogspot.com Let me know what are you looking for.
Alex Tan
www.alexthemagician.show |
MopKrayz Elite user 423 Posts |
Very interesting.
I had a look at the video and I liked your act and style. I have seen a couple of other mask acts and the change was in full view without any cover. But it's important to see different applications. I would love to learn the art of quickchange masks from a master, as I have my own concepts and ideas I would implement for myself. Maybe we will talk again in a matter of 2 or 3 years... |
Alex Tan Loyal user Singapore 290 Posts |
Executing a change without cover is possible but that was my first live performance so I just wanted to be safe. There's really no difference in technique with or without cover, it's just to give some variety to the changes.
But I agree it does seem much more amazing.
Alex Tan
www.alexthemagician.show |
Lou Hilario Inner circle 2235 Posts |
Wow Alex, you've come a long way and perfected the mask change. Is it possible to change the mask designs for a more modern look or are the masks supposed to look traditional always?
Magic, Illusions, Juggling, Puppet & Parrot Show ^0^
http://www.louhilario.net |
Alex Tan Loyal user Singapore 290 Posts |
Hi Lou,
Yeah, it's been a long time since we last met. Yes, my idea was indeed to modernize the very traditional Sichuan Mask Change and I'm in the process of doing it. Thanks.
Alex Tan
www.alexthemagician.show |
Dutch illusionist New user The Netherlands 96 Posts |
Quote:
On 2006-04-04 05:42, Alex Tan wrote: Can I buy your old ones if you got new one? I know the technique, but I'm a performer not a handyman
Magical greetings,
Dutch illusionist |
MopKrayz Elite user 423 Posts |
I guess that over-worn masks are usually destroyed not passed on.
and with the masks alone you are still a long way off as the most important part of the mechanism is still to be constructed. |
Lex Schoppi New user Germany 40 Posts |
The original chinese secrets are very very hard saved. I know a asian woman, she can do such thinks. Ask George (Diamond)
http://www.lexschoppimagic.com
LEX SCHOPPI: QUICK CHANGE - SHOWS - COSTUMES - LECTURES - BOOKS - PRODUCTS |
Alex Tan Loyal user Singapore 290 Posts |
Yes, the Sichuan Opera's Mask Changing is very well protected as old masters of the art are quite careful in selecting who they pass the skill to.
And as such, those selected are very often made to vow to be just as cautious on who they pass the skill to. In most cases, Mask Change Masters very rarely have more than 1 or 2 disciples and for a long time, the skill was only passed down to males. It's an art with a long history and at one time even the Chinese Central Government guarded it as a national secret and intervene when disciples of the art do not meet certain conditions. This was the case when Hong Kong celebrity, Andy Lau tried to pay a Mask Change master a huge sum of money to learn the art. The incident generated lots of media coverage and caused intervention from the authorities. Sichuan Opera's Mask Changing is interesting but it's really more than just a Magic trick. In order to maintain secrecy of the art, most Mask Change masters build every single part of the act themselves. I used to think of it as just a trick but the more I learned about the art, the more I have grown to respect it.
Alex Tan
www.alexthemagician.show |
Lex Schoppi New user Germany 40 Posts |
You are absolutly right. I also have a great respect about this art. This historic art is to saven. But: the principle can adapted to a new magic art. After the 2. worldwar in Berlin was a Lady, she has adapted this principle to create masks for the art of "quickfacepainting". You understand my bad english? With such masks you can painting your face instandly to a Clown or so.
http://www.lexschoppimagic.com
LEX SCHOPPI: QUICK CHANGE - SHOWS - COSTUMES - LECTURES - BOOKS - PRODUCTS |
Daniel Faith Inner circle Neenah, Wisconsin 1526 Posts |
Jeff McBride does an excellent mask act. Might inspire you to watch it.
Daniel Faith
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Alex Tan Loyal user Singapore 290 Posts |
Daniel,
Yes, I totally agree Jeff McBride does an excellent mask act. In fact I've seen him perform live numerous times and it's really awe inspiring. Thanks for the suggestion.
Alex Tan
www.alexthemagician.show |
MopKrayz Elite user 423 Posts |
But McBride's mask act has nothing in common with the opera mask changing.
two totally different worlds |
Alex Tan Loyal user Singapore 290 Posts |
I would agree that Jeff McBride's mask changing has nothing to do with Sichuan Opera's Mask Change, but it really has everything to do with practically any kind of performances.
There are really many important lessons to be learned just by watching Jeff's performances. His movements, his energy...
Alex Tan
www.alexthemagician.show |
MopKrayz Elite user 423 Posts |
Apparently there IS a DVD about the Art of Mask Changing.
This DVD was available at FISM and is being advertised in MAGIC Magazine. http://www.andymgic-cn.com DVD is selling for $990 Anyone has managed to see it and can comment on the contents? |
cardcaptor Loyal user tagaytay, philippines 257 Posts |
Wow! that's just the right price for a historical secret! (or its too low?)
mopkrayz, the link is not working can you post another link? thanks!
ILLUMINATI: Brotherhood knowing to be unusually enlightened with regard to the art of magic.
in memory of... SWIFTSHIFTER "The art that purports to control or forecast natural events, effects, or forces by invoking the supernatural" |
Alex Tan Loyal user Singapore 290 Posts |
I saw the DVD, the method probably works but is not the right method or exact method that traditional mask changers used.
The method explained is exactly what you would think it is. The preparation using the method explained would also take a long time to setup for performance. Most importantly, there's more to it that just the mechanism. Just sharing what I know, Alex Tan
Alex Tan
www.alexthemagician.show |
MopKrayz Elite user 423 Posts |
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