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The Art of Theatrical Make-up cover

The Art of Theatrical Make-up

Chapter 24: PIERROT
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About This Book

This work explores the techniques and principles of theatrical make-up, drawing from the author's extensive experience in the performing arts. It reflects on the evolution of the author's own photographic studies, which document various characters portrayed on stage. The text combines insights from psychology, physiognomy, and character portrayal, offering a unique perspective on the art of make-up in theater. It also addresses the requests from fellow actors for guidance in their make-up applications, indicating a broader interest in the subject within the acting community. The author's observations of renowned figures in theater further enrich the content, providing practical advice and artistic insights.

PIERROT

The symbol of all things theatrical. The utterly impersonal medium for dramatic expression.

The mask of white destroys the distinctions of colour, race, or station. He may be emotionally, all things to all men.

Most professional clowns cover their faces with a mixture of pure oxide of zinc and lard, and then powder thickly with dry oxide of zinc. This is the method that I adopt. Some may prefer to first paint the face with white grease paint and then powder with the zinc.

The lips are painted with carmine. The eyes are outlined with black, and the eyebrows are definitely drawn. A spot of carmine is placed at the inner corner of each eye.

ROMEO

The most romantic of the Shakespeare heroes, and physically the most attractive.

As he is a beautified edition of Hamlet, the instruction for making-up is similar. Only no effort should be made to arrive at the intellectual type of face that is striven for in the case of the more serious part.

The groundwork should be No. 2-1/2 with 3, a little 13, and yellow added to give it Italian warmth.

After powdering, the cheeks may be dusted with dry rouge, and this should be carried up to the temples; a little on the end of the chin is also helpful.

In juvenile make-ups it is always advisable to make the forehead lighter than the rest of the face, as it gives a feeling of animation to the countenance.