Enka High School’s fall theater performance will feature student-made artwork in an elaborate production of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.
Theater teacher Susan Stanley Marino has worked with students previously on the art of paper mache masks in a study of Greek theater. When the school decided on the fall production of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Ms. Stanley Marino decided she wanted to take the play up a notch.
“I knew I didn't want the actors playing the animals in the play to wear face paint,” she explained. “This idea evolved as we met with local artist Geneva Bierce-Wilson and grew as we researched ways to create the headpieces.”
With help from the Buncombe County Schools Foundation, Geneva Bierce-Wilson guided the students through the process of mask-making. She is a member of Asheville’s Street Creature Collective, where she creates one-of-a-kind puppets and masks. For this school production, students have let their imaginations flow.
“I have enjoyed the work all the students have poured into this project,” Ms. Stanley Marino said. “Not only have the kids grown as friends and artists, but the process mirrored professional career projects. One student called her wolf headpiece ‘her baby’, and took great pride in her creation.”
Countless hours, dedication, and precision have poured into the unique animal masks that students will wear or hold during the show. The public is welcome to come to see the performance Thursday, November 30th at 7PM, and Saturday, December 2nd at both 2PM and 7PM. Tickets are $5 at the door and online beginning November 20th at https://ehs.buncombeschools.org/o/ehs
The students and Ms. Stanley Marino will also display the masks in the Asheville Holiday Parade on November 18th.
