SIUC hosts mask conference in October

SIUC's Department of Theater is hosting an interdisciplinary and international conference on masks and masking in early October.

"Masks of Transformation" is Oct. 5-8 and features a diversity of papers, posters, workshops, performances, exhibitions and mask-related events. Mask makers, vendors, performers and scholars from the U.S., Canada, United Kingdom, Nigeria, Sweden, Israel, Mexico, Uruguay, Brazil, Iceland, Hungary, Greece, and Bali are participating in the three-and-one-half day conference.

There are 16 sessions planned for McLeod Theater during the conference. The conference is held in conjunction with the "Behind the Masks: Art, Culture, History" exhibition through Dec. 16 at the University Museum, said conference coordinator and theater professor Ronald A. Naversen. Many contemporary artists whose works are on display in the museum are participating in the conference.

Evenings include a series of contemporary and cultural mask performances.

The early registration deadline is Sept. 12. The cost is $160 for the entire conference, or $60 per day; SIUC students can attend the full conference for $100 or $60 per day. Conference fees increase to $180 for the full conference and $80 per day after Sept. 12. Online course registration is available or by calling the Division of Continuing Education at 618/536-7751.

Conference guests will receive tickets for the evening performances. SIUC students can attend the evening performances for free.

Several colleges and departments on campus contributed funds to help produce the conference, which is also supported by Carbondale Community Arts and the Carbondale Convention and Tourism Bureau.

Among the other events is a free mask workshop for children Saturday, Oct. 8, at the Carbondale Convention Center. There is also an "Open Mask Cabaret," at 9:45 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6, at the Upside Down Club. A Masquerade Ball, a fund-raiser for University Museum, is set for 7:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 7, at the Dunn-Richmond Economic Development Center.

For more information on the program, contact Naversen at 618/453-3076.