Final answer:
The use of a mask by an actor to transcend and tap into the essence of what it represents in theater is a reflection of Symbolism, which uses symbolic images and indirect suggestion to express complex ideas.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the theater and performing arts, when an actor wears a mask to experience a degree of transcendence, lifting themselves to identify with the essence of what the mask represents, this practice is primarily a reflection of the artistic concept of Symbolism. Masks in the theater have been used since ancient times, not only for their artistic expression but also for their spiritual and religious significance, as seen in Greek tragedies and Bali-Hindu traditions. The use of masks allows the actor to transcend individual identity and embody the universal traits that the mask symbolizes, tapping into shared cultural memories and stereotypes to convey deeper meanings.
The Method acting technique, on the other hand, focuses on actors delivering realistic performances by emotionally identifying with their characters. This approach often involves actors remaining immersed in their roles, even when they are not on stage, to maintain a continuous reality of character experiences. Nevertheless, the practice of using masks is more closely aligned with the abstraction and generalization inherent to Symbolism rather than the psychological realism pursued by Method actors.