From the exceptional ballet collection of George Verdak.
Very RARE original vintage mask from the 1934 production of HEAR YE! HEAR YE! A hand painted paper mache mask, with a fabric skull-cap attached.
HEAR YE! HEAR YE!
Music by Aaron Copland
Scenario by Ruth Page & Nicholas Remisoff
Choreography by Ruth Page
Scenery & Costumes by Nicholas Remisoff
World Premier: Chicago, November 30th, 1934
This mask is one of several designed and made by Nicolai Remisoff (Russian 1887-1979 ) to be worn by ballet dancers portraying the jurors during the production.
One mask from the production is in the collection of The Wolfsonian museum in Miami Beach.
Another mask was in the collection of Ruth Page. There is a video interview available online in the collection of the Chicago Film Archives titled "Ruth Page Walk Thru No. 08", where she discusses her mask.
In one volume of "The Encyclopedia of Collectibles," three similar masks are pictured, and one being almost identical to the one offered in this listing. Book is not included, but please see photos for reference.
Although not included in this listing, I have also included as reference, a photo of a page from the from the "Page-Stone Ballet" program from 1934, giving the particulars of this ballet.
Authenticity is absolutely guaranteed.
Hear Ye! Hear Ye! is story about a murder in a Chicago nightclub, a rather cynical legal drama, set in a Chicago courtroom. During a murder trial, three witnesses give completely different accounts of what happened. There are three suspects: a female dancer, a jealous chorus girl and an unhinged man in the audience at the night club. In the end, the jury convicts all three of them!
