Final answer:
The chronological history of theater makeup starts with ancient Egyptian eye makeup, costumes in Middle Ages plays, and ancient Greek masks. In the sixteenth century, white lead was used for lighter skin tones, followed by minstrel shows using burnt cork for blackface. Advancements continued with the use of greasepaint in the late 19th century, Max Factor's contributions in the 20th century, and Jack Pierce's innovative makeup techniques.
Step-by-step explanation:
The evolution of theater makeup encompasses a variety of practices and developments throughout history. Actors in ancient Egypt used eye makeup such as kohl to enhance their appearance and protect their eyes. During the Middle Ages, religious organizations would costume actors in plays, and in ancient Greece, male actors used masks with attached wigs for different portrayals, indicating the beginnings of theatrical makeup and costuming. In the sixteenth century, pale skin was in vogue, leading European women to use white lead on their faces for a desired pale complexion. The use of burned cork to create blackface began as part of minstrel shows, becoming a widespread yet offensive means of character portrayal, which reflected a societal preference for lighter skin tones.
Moving into the modern era, the late nineteenth century brought about the use of greasepaint by actors, which represented a significant development in makeup technology. Following this invention, the 20th century saw the likes of Max Factor, who received an award for his makeup inventions, revolutionizing the cosmetics industry and its application to theater. Lastly, Jack Pierce used innovative techniques such as layers of cheesecloth soaked in collodion as a base for makeup in the film industry, showcasing the ongoing development of theater and film makeup techniques.