Theatre mask and make-up as an artefact and a process

This work represents a process of a search of a relationship to the theatre mask and costume, it is an evidence of the process of enquiry mainly through theatrical experience. The first part of the paper is introducing historical development of a mask, however it?s goal is not to describe the journey of a mask, ritual and theatre, it only sometimes refers to such anthropological studies. The next part is related to active application of mask in all aspects of human activities. Further work describes the finding of its own way of application and work with a mask and a costume and is reflecting on the authorship performances. Also the pedagogical methods of using a mask are being mentioned. The end of this work is dedicated to a research of a mask and a masked person in the context of theatrical work. In the appendix, there are the interviews with some of the contemporary artists related to the acting with a mask and use of mask in theatre plays. The discovering of a need and an effect of a mask through a play, through a possibility of change, that is a question for an actor. A mask is also an aesthetic component of theatre, it is a part of a costume, a part of scenography. But for an actor, mask is a partner. It is a chance to extend the limits of an expression into imaginary dimension. This work is a search into what exactly mask is, if the make-up-covered face of actor is a mask or an aesthetic supplement, if it can change the actor?s identity, if he needs it, but above all ? how can he approach it and make it his own