Touch and the Masquerades of Nigeria

First published in 1997. In the 'Masquerades of Nigeria' and 'Touch', the fourth volume of his mask: A Release of Acting Resources, David Griffiths investigates the use of mask in the Masquerade traditions of West Africa, and specially of Nigeria. The author persuasively argues in favour of a common language of masek performance, and focuses particularly on the manner in which the Nigerian dramatist Wole Soyinka explores the theatrical virtuosity and vibrancy of mask in his plays, specially his 'root' play 'A Dance in the Forests'. David Griffiths then presents his short Trilogy of plays, under the title 'Touch' which he created to explore the intricate subtleties of African mask in a manner accessible to Western actors. 'Touch' is based on Soyinka's play and arguably needs that as a point fo reference- but being directed to rad Soykina is to everyone's benefit.

David Griffiths is a playwright, teacher, theatre director and book illustrator. He is particularly interested in the training of young performers and has conducted many mask workshops in schools, community centres, colleges, universities and theatre companies i Britain. He has worked with mask in Russia and studied the use of the mask in Noh theatre in Japan. His plays have been broadcast by the BBC and have toured UK and Ireland.

Introduction to the Series; Acknowledgements; List of Illustrations; Introduction; The Masquerade; A Dance of The Forests; The Touch Trilogy; Touch; Introductory Notes; Losing Touch; Out of Touch; In Touch; Index