How to peel someone’s face off?
So we’re doing a production of an ancient greek play, where the masks are pretty integral to the script.
Problem is, the director’s one requirement is that the actor’s faces have to be visible. So we have to do something else in replacement of the ‘masks’
I was thinking about doing, instead of masks, very costumey makeup related to the characters.
Problem is, at the end, Actor A takes the ‘mask’ off of Actor B’s face, putting it on their own and assuming their role. So it needs to be removable.
I’ve come up with a couple options:
-Peel Off Face Mask:
I’ve seen people online do looks where they put on a peel off face mask and do the makeup over it, and it seems to peel in a comprehensive piece. However, this is near the end of the play, and the actor will move their face a lot in the meantime. I’ve seen that it peels, moves, and cracks a lot when people move their faces.
There is a segment where Actor A is off stage before the face peeling, so I could apply the face mask on top, and have it still peeled off during the scene. The drying time is a problem, though. Maybe I could speed it up slightly with a fan? That might seem like the most viable option.
-Liquid Latex:
I’ve seen people use liquid latex similarly, applying it under their makeup and peeling it.
However, I’m not familiar with liquid latex or applying it, that’s why I’m here. Will liquid latex still allow a decent amount of give, allowing the actor to still express emotions without it cracking?
I also heard it’s a bit irritating to peel it off, rather than remove it properly, however this show will only be run with audience once. Is there also anything I can put underneath to make it easier to peel off?
I am also worried about the smell.
Similarly, I could also put the latex over the makeup near the end.
-SFX gelatin:
I don’t know much about it, but can it be painted on when not too hot? I also don’t know if it can be peeled off.
Please let me know if there are other methods I’m not aware of, or if I should just give up on this idea and beg the director for masks.