THE DESIGN AND MATERIALS CHANGES OF ZHUANG SHIGONG DANCE'S MASKS AFTER CONTEMPORARY STAGE ADAPTATIONS

Abstract

This article aims to study the design and materials changes of Zhuang Shigong Dance's masks after contemporary stage adaptations and compare the two core dimensions of materials and design summarize the overall evolution law of Shigong masks from ritual supplies to stage performance props. Scope of this article is Shanglin Guang xi,China. This article adopts documentary analysis as the core research method, supplemented by comparative analysis method. Research finding the design and materials changes of Zhuang Shigong Dance's masks after contemporary stage adaptations it is mainly embodied in the changes of two dimensions concerning production: materials and design of traditional Zhuang Shigong masks and contemporary Zhuang Shigong Dance masks. Specifically, traditional ritual masks are carved from local solid hardwoods such as camphor and banyan wood; while contemporary stage masks employ high-density foam, light resin, and plastic composites. Both the materials and design of traditional Zhuang Shigong Dance masks possess strong religious attributes. All the designs serve religious rituals. By contrast, the materials and design of contemporary Zhuang Shigong Dance masks lay more emphasis on achieving stage effects. It can be observed from the research findings that the design and materials evolution of Zhuang Shigong Dance masks manifests chiefly in the shift from "ritual masks" to "performative masks". This transformation provides a foundation to develop innovative inheritance strategies for intangible cultural heritage conservation.

Keywords: Design and Materials Change, Zhuang Shigong Dance, Mask Dance, Contemporary Stage Adaptations