Many people hide behind masks in some way, whether they’re hiding their true feelings or something else. But for theatre students in the play “Memorandum,” they take “hiding behind a mask” to a whole new level.

“Memorandum,” an award-winning comedy by Czech writer and politician Vaclav Havel, explores the nature of life under an absurd bureaucratic regime in an organization where one person stands up for what he believes in.

The cast of 15 wear masks throughout the play to symbolize the distortion of humanity and conformity.

Assistant Theatre Professor Andrea Grapko, the play director, said the masks were made specifically from each student’s face by an art class.

“It was a pretty intense experience for the cast because when they were getting fitted for the masks, they had to breath through straws,” Grapko said. “It can be scary if someone is claustrophobic.”

Grapko said she thinks using the masks gives the play a unique approach and gives the cast different options to explore as performers.

“The masks give freedom, fearlessness and lets them play with many different ideas,” she said. “I tell them not to think about the words too much, just go out there and have fun with it.”

She said there are many ideas in the play that students can relate to, such as discovering things that make people human, and how they can keep their humanity.

“Students can identify with being a part of a ‘big machine’ because they are a part of a big university,” she said. “Sometimes they may feel like just a number, or like a rat in a maze, and it can be hard to stand up and do the right thing when they are the only one standing.”

Bowling Green sophomore Jordan Gottke, the assistant director, said she stumbled upon the position when she asked Grapko if she needed help with the production.

“I’m glad I’m helping this year because I really like this kind of comedy and I’m very excited about the mask quirk,” she said. “All the characters are hiding behind one big twisted group identity and it’s really awesome to see them working with the masks.”

Gottke said she thinks when people see the play, they will be surprised because it’s anything but ordinary.

“It’s hilarious,” she said. “I think that people don’t really think of hilarity when they come to watch a play, but there is something human and real about it that everyone can relate to.”

She said preparing for the play, which started last semester, has been a wonderful experience and hopes that the audience gains ideas from the show, but are also entertained.

“Of course every director hopes for the best,” she said. “I just hope they realize that it is important in life to connect to what they believe in.”

The play will first be performed at 8 tonight in the Gordon Wilson Lab Theatre and continues until April 15. Tickets can be bought at the door, and cost $8 for students and senior citizens, and $10 for adults.

Reach Alex Booze at diversions@chherald.com.