Acoustic Assistance
The next reason masks, which were "originally made from stiffened linen, but it was later found that cork or wood had better acoustic properties" (Cleaver, pg. 34) were worn in Greek theater was for acoustic assistance. What this means is that the mask served as a device to help make the actors voice be heard. The mask and superb acoustic elements of the theatres made having "clearness of voice and enunciation, more important than a strong voice." (Beiber, pg 81-82) It is thought that some masks had a small megaphone-like arrangement concealed in the mouth of the mask. It is thought that this amplified the actor's voice. Another take on this notion is that:
"The mouth had to be larger for the actor to sing or speak without difficulty. A few masks, especially those of old men, and slave, in comedy, show such large, fish like lips that we wonder if some masks gave the voice a slight support like a megaphone." (Kernodle, pg 128)
[Notice opening of Mouth]
[Notice Area Surrounding Mouth -- Fish Like?]
Regardless if all, or only a few, masks had acoustic devices in them, it is suspected that the mask was indeed another way of helping an actor's voice and message be heard. The next reason masks were used was for the reason that plays had few actors who had to play many roles.
