Purdue News

August 18, 2000 Purdue Convos launches new Family Adventures Series WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue Convocations announces a new series of performances that you and the children in your life can enjoy together – the Family Adventures Series. Booked in response to requests from the community, the new series will kick off with a one-person show titled "The Mask Woman" by Faustwork Mask Theater on Sept. 7 at 7:30 p.m. in Loeb Playhouse, Stewart Center. "When we brought in performances for school groups over the past few years, often we were asked why we didn't have public performances," explained Laura Clavio, Purdue Convocations arts education coordinator. "In response to those requests, we created a series of shows for the entire family to enjoy. Each show will stimulate the imagination, cultivate an appreciation for the arts and offer lessons about living wrapped up in delightful fun and colorful spectacle," Clavio added. Tickets to "The Mask Woman" and the two other shows in the Family Adventures Series are on sale now at campus box offices. Tickets for each performance are $7 for the general public (adults and children), and $5 for Purdue students. Charge by phone at (765) 494-3933 or 800-914-SHOW. The Family Adventures Series also features "Lyle the Crocodile" by The Children's Theatre Company on Nov. 5, and "Gold Rush!" by Theatreworks/USA on April 7. "In 'The Mask Woman,' Faustwork Mask Theater utilizes a collection of over two dozen company-made masks, most designed and created by company founder Rob Faust," Clavio said. "Faustwork's brand of body language, insight and humor create empathetic, unusual and inspiring impressions of the human condition." Specializing in theater for all ages, Faustwork Mask Theater company members have performed for 1.5 million people worldwide. Through the centuries, masks have been used in rituals, celebrations and ceremonies in almost every culture. Primitive cultures believed that donning a mask allowed the wearer to take on the spirit represented by the mask, thus allowing the wearer to use the special powers that the spirit embodied. After briefly introducing the uses of masks, actress Beverly Mann will begin removing them from the wall, assuming the emotional state or attitude expressed in each, and creating vignettes ranging from comic to poignant to bizarre. A variety of characters will spring to life – some speak, some are silent, some are worn on the top or back of the head transforming the performers into creatures on all fours. Each vignette involves interaction with the audience. CONTACT: Clavio, (765) 496-2913; lzclavio@purdue.edu. To the Purdue News and Photos Page