Festival unmasked to thousands

Events for the UK's first International Mask Festival, which is being held in the Black Country, have been unveiled by organisers.

Thousands of people from across the globe are expected to visit Stourbridge for the inaugural event.

It will run from October 19 to October 27 at the Glasshouse Arts Centre in Wollaston Road, Amblecote, and Stourbridge Town Hall.

More than 300 masks will be used in 32 productions over the eight-day event. A special big top theatre tent will be brought into the Glasshouse.

The Mask Studio, Lower Glasshouse, Eurythmy Room and Lehr Studio Theatre will also be used.

Performances will also take place at Stourbridge Town Hall in the Crown Centre. Footsbarn Travelling Theatre will perform their adaptation of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Nights Dream on October 19, 20, 25, 26 and 27.

They will also be holding a workshop on October 22.

An adaption of Alice in Wonderland is also among the events on October 23 at 2pm and a display of African dancing called Panthoen of Deities - Dance of the Gods on the same day at 7.30pm.

A play set in the mysterious woodland, called in the Shadow Of Trees, will be performed at the town hall on October 24 at 3pm, with The Fabulous Old Spot Theatre Company performing The Curse Of Elverado there on October 25 at 3pm.

The Fetch Theatre Company will perform the Maze of Minos, an interpretation of the Greek myth of the Minotaur in the Lehr Studio Theatre on October 27 at 2pm.

An exhibition of masks from across the world will be held at the Glasshouse Theatre throughout all days of the festival from 11am to 7.30pm.

Festival organiser Michael Chase said they were really looking forward to the event.

For further information about the event log on to www.internationalmask festival.com or call 01384 399458.

By Lee Watton