Theatre

Explore the evolution of theatre through artworks, stage design, and historical performances that have shaped storytelling across cultures.

Japanese gigaku mask of a Persian boy in painted wood, 710–794 CE

Gigaku Mask of Persian Boy (710–794 CE)

Antiquities Asia Ceremonial & Religious Japan

Crafted from lightweight paulownia wood and vividly painted, this gigaku mask represents the youthful son of a widowed Persian elder in gigaku, a lively form of masked dance drama imported from continental Asia.

Hellenistic terracotta Erote with theatrical mask from Myrina, 300–1 BCE

Erote With Mask (300 – 1 BCE)

Antiquities Europe Greece Sculpture

Molded between the 3rd and 1st centuries BCE, this terracotta piece from Myrina grips a theatrical mask, tying it to the Erotes.