asque, a French
word meaning "face-mask," refers to a form of indoor courtly
entertainment
popular during the Renaissance that was characterized by song, spectacular
display, and dance. The term first appeared in the 16th century at the peak
of the masque's popularity in Italy. The masque was designed for a specific
occasion, usually some event associated with the life of the court, the
Christmas season being the chief time for such revels. It derived its form
in part from the medieval MUMMING PLAY (a procession of masked persons)
and the practice of disguising (a dramatized debate among masked participants).
The costumed dancers in a masque danced first among themselves and then
chose partners from among the spectators, blurring the distinction between
actors and audience. Although the masque proper might last no longer than
an hour, the dancing often continued for hours thereafter. In its use of
spectacle, allegory, symbolism, and mythology the English masque shared
some features with the civic pageant, but primarily it was an indoor show
sponsored by the court.
asque, a French
word meaning "face-mask," refers to a form of indoor courtly
entertainment
popular during the Renaissance that was characterized by song, spectacular
display, and dance. The term first appeared in the 16th century at the peak
of the masque's popularity in Italy. The masque was designed for a specific
occasion, usually some event associated with the life of the court, the
Christmas season being the chief time for such revels. It derived its form
in part from the medieval MUMMING PLAY (a procession of masked persons)
and the practice of disguising (a dramatized debate among masked participants).
The costumed dancers in a masque danced first among themselves and then
chose partners from among the spectators, blurring the distinction between
actors and audience. Although the masque proper might last no longer than
an hour, the dancing often continued for hours thereafter. In its use of
spectacle, allegory, symbolism, and mythology the English masque shared
some features with the civic pageant, but primarily it was an indoor show
sponsored by the court. 
