Theatrical Performance Masks From Gateway’s Collection

Gateway’s original mask theatre productions are unique contributions to the world stage.

Every mask is a work of art. Many are considered museum-quality.

These masks are created by Gateway’s award-winning, resident mask maker Michael Hickey for productions conceived, written, choreographed and directed by Gateway’s Producing Artistic Director Sandra Hughes. 

Hughes and Hickey have collaborated to create 50 plus original productions with 100s of masks in performances that have toured to 36 states in the United States, throughout Canada, Mexico, Eastern and Western Europe. 

Additional productions have been created for national distribution on Public Television with an Emmy Award for Outstanding Entertainment Program and inclusion in the American Film Institute’s showcase of new work. Presenters include: Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts (NYC), The Consulate General of Ireland (ATL) and the Aero International Festival of Masks (DK).

Hickey and Hughes are also mask performers. The masks here are a sampling of these performance masks. 

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Performance Mask: Bass wood, Paint, Leather Hinges  each mask 7” x  6” x 10”

Transformation Mask: Old Man and Young Man

Carved, Painted and Rigged by Michael Hickey

Production: Old Man Kokopeli 

 Sandra Hughes: Director

 Photo: Jan Stittleburg

Performance Mask: Bass wood, Paint, Leather, Cloth   15” x 15” x 10”

 Mask with Moveable Mouth: Bo (Cow) Bass wood, Paint, Leather, Cloth

Carved, Painted and Rigged by Michael Hickey

Production: A Mummers Tale of the Seasons 

Sandra Hughes: Playwright, Choreographer, Director

Photograph: Jan Stittleburg

Performance Mask: Gourd, Paint, Raffia, Cloth   10” x 24” x 10”

Mask: The Booger

Carved and Painted by Michael Hickey

Productions: Illusions and All About Masks 

Sandra Hughes: Choreographer,  Director 

Photograph: Jan Stittleburg

Performance Mask: Bass wood, River Reed    28” x 7” x 10”

Mask: Cat Goddess

Carved and Painted by Michael Hickey

Production: The Loss of Iris

Sandra Hughes: Playwright, Choreographer, Director 

Photograph: Jan Stittleburg

Performance Mask: Fun Foam, Paint, Cloth  10” x 12” x 26”

Mask: Phoenix

Created by Michael Hickey

Production: We Have Risen

Sandra Hughes: Playwright,  Choreographer, Director  

Photograph: Jan Stittleburg

Performance Mask: Bass wood, Paint    6” x 6” x 10”

Mask: Woman

Created by Michael Hickey

Productions: Old Man Kokopeli

Sandra Hughes: Director 

Photograph: Jan Stittleburg

Performance Mask: Gourd, Paint  8” x 6” x 10”

Mask: Brigid

Created by Michael Hickey

Productions: A Mummers Tale of the Seasons

 Sandra Hughes: Playwright, Choreographer, Director 

Photograph: Jan Stittleburg

Performance Mask: Paper Mache    7” x 6” x 10”

Mask: Calaveras

Created by Michael Hickey

Production: Bring Me Yellow Flowers

Sandra Hughes: Concept, Choreographer, Director 

Photograph: Jan Stittleburg

Performance Mask: Bass wood, Antler, Silk Cloth    24” x 12” x 20”

Mask: Fin Tan

Carved, Assembled and Painted by Michael Hickey

Production: A Mummers Tale of the Seasons

Sandra Hughes: Playwright, Choreographer, Director 

Photograph: Jan Stittleburg

Performance Mask: Leather, Feathers    7” x 14” x 24” 

Mask: The Locust

Created by Michael Hickey

Production: Old Man Kokopeli

 Sandra Hughes: Director 

Photograph: Jan Stittleburg

Performance Mask: Bass wood, Feathers, Leather Hinges each mask  6” x  6” x 10”

Transformation Mask: Three Faces of the Moon – New, Full Old. 

Created by Michael Hickey

Productions: Illusions

Sandra Hughes: Concept, Choreographer, Director

Performer: Sandra Hughes 

Photograph: Jan Stittleburg

Performance Mask: Bass wood, Paint, Silk Cloth   7” x 12” x 12”

Mask: The Hawk

Hand carved, painted and assembled by Michael Hickey

Productions: Illusions

Sandra Hughes: Concept, Choreographer, Director 

Performer: Michael Hickey

Photograph: Jan Stittleburg

Performance Mask: Leather, Rabbit Fur   7” x 6” x 9”

Mask: The Capitano

Created by Michael Hickey

Production: For The Love or  Money

Sandra Hughes: Playwright, Choreographer, Director 

Photograph: Jan Stittleburg

Performance Mask: Leather, Rabbit Fur       7” x 6” x 9”

Mask: Arlequino

Created by Michael Hickey

Production: For Love and Money

Playwright, Choreographer and Director Sandra Hughes 

Photograph: Jan Stittleburg

Performance Mask: Leather, Rabbit Fur   7” x 6” x 9”

Mask: Brighella

Created by Michael Hickey

Production: For Love and  Money

Written and Directed by Sandra Hughes 

Photograph: Jan Stittleburg