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Masks and the Sense of Self

In: The Illusion of Leadership

Author

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  • Piers Ibbotson

Abstract

There is an idea about that we are types, that we have immutable humors, or a knowable and realizable psychology and that, if only we could understand it and live it, we would somehow become our true, innate immutable and authentic selves: the “real me” behind the mask of parent, lover, maverick. For an actor it is very disturbing, and in some cases it drives people literally mad to discover that acting really is possible. You can be “someone else” – so completely, that to all intents and purposes you are them. Working with masks allows one to see that at the heart of this dilemma is play, we are playing at these things and that there is no harm in that, because truthful acting, great playing, can only come from a place of deep humility. Great acting is not about ego, it is about humility; it is about the absence of ego and that is a morally sound place. There is no danger to the soul in being a consummate performer. The danger lies in believing you are the mask.

Suggested Citation

  • Piers Ibbotson, 2008. "Masks and the Sense of Self," Palgrave Macmillan Books, in: The Illusion of Leadership, chapter 0, pages 51-62, Palgrave Macmillan.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:palchp:978-0-230-20200-9_7
    DOI: 10.1057/9780230202009_7
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