Bart Young, age 15, of Concord, N. H., for his question:

WHAT IS A MASQUE?

A masque is a form of dramatic writing and production featuring poetry, music and dance that was popular in 17th century England, especially in court circles. In the masque, the actors wore masks and usually represented allegorical or mythical characters.

TThe use of masks in drama originated in ancient Greece but their use in masques was part of the classical revival of the Renaissance.

The roots of the masque may be found in Italian and French pageants and masquerades, as well a in the English disguising    a performance descended from the practice of mumming and the art of the troubadors. Actors spoke, sang and danced on allegorical or mythological subjects in the disguising, which was known from the early 15th century in Italy. The most important development added by the masque was audience participation in the dances.

The formal court masque was introduced in 1512 during the reign of King Henry VIII of England. During the reign of James I, the masque became the most popular form of drama.

After enjoying a great vogue, the masque declined rapidly in England. It has not survived in modern times, except as an esoteric literary form.