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QUESTION 2: WOZA ALBERT! BY PERCY MTWA, MBONGENI NGEMA AND BARNEY SIMON Study SOURCE B below and answer the questions that follow - NSC Dramatic Arts - Question 2 - 2017 - Paper 1
Question 2
QUESTION 2: WOZA ALBERT! BY PERCY MTWA, MBONGENI NGEMA AND BARNEY SIMON Study SOURCE B below and answer the questions that follow. SOURCE B Woza Albert! is a uniq... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:QUESTION 2: WOZA ALBERT! BY PERCY MTWA, MBONGENI NGEMA AND BARNEY SIMON Study SOURCE B below and answer the questions that follow - NSC Dramatic Arts - Question 2 - 2017 - Paper 1
Step 1
2.1 Name the theatrical term used to describe the dramatic structure of Woza Albert! Refer to line 3.
Answer
The theatrical term used to describe the dramatic structure of Woza Albert! is 'Episodic'. This term suggests that the play unfolds in a series of episodes rather than following a linear narrative.
Step 2
2.2 Suggest the advantages of the dramatic structure identified in QUESTION 2.1.
Answer
The episodic structure of Woza Albert! allows for several advantages:
- Engagement: Each episode can be standalone, keeping the audience engaged through varying scenes.
- Thematic Exploration: Multiple storylines can be explored simultaneously, allowing for a rich tapestry of themes.
- Accessibility: The structure is accessible to audiences, making complex themes easier to digest.
- Dynamic Pace: The rapid shifts keep the audience's attention, creating a dynamic viewing experience.
Step 3
2.3 Using examples from the play text, motivate why Woza Albert! might be defined as protest theatre.
Answer
Woza Albert! can be defined as protest theatre through its strong critique of apartheid and social injustices. For example, the characters often highlight the struggles faced by ordinary South Africans, such as poverty, racism, and oppression. The image of the white policeman juxtaposed with the black musician vividly demonstrates the social tensions and challenges of the time, showcasing the play’s commitment to social commentary.
Step 4
2.4 Discuss where and how Mbongeni Ngema and Percy Mtwa found the material to create their play, Woza Albert!, which is based on the question, ‘What would you do if Jesus Christ came to South Africa today?’
Answer
Mbongeni Ngema and Percy Mtwa drew inspiration from the socio-political landscape of South Africa. They utilized real-life experiences and interviews with ordinary people who faced the harsh realities of apartheid. By asking 'What would you do if Jesus Christ came to South Africa today?', they explored contemporary issues and moral dilemmas, prompting audiences to reflect on their own societal roles and responsibilities.
Step 5
2.5 Name a theatre practitioner who influenced the 'Theatre of Poverty' style (line 7) in Woza Albert! Motivate why Woza Albert! might be considered to be an example of 'Theatre of Poverty' (line 7).
Answer
A significant theatre practitioner who influenced the 'Theatre of Poverty' style is Augusto Boal. Woza Albert! can be considered an example of 'Theatre of Poverty' as it addresses the dire socio-economic conditions faced by its characters. The play reflects themes of struggle, survival, and resistance against oppression, embodying the essential elements that characterize the Theatre of Poverty movement.
Step 6
2.6 Describe the theatrical skills and techniques the actors might use to create the 'image of a jazz band' (line 11) and 'transform into a white policeman and a black musician' (lines 11 and 12).
Answer
To create the 'image of a jazz band', the actors might employ physicality and rhythm, using their bodies and voices to mimic musical instruments. This could include vocalizations that replicate jazz sounds and synchronized movements that evoke the essence of a band performance. For the transformation into a white policeman and a black musician, actors could use costumes, makeup, and exaggerated physical expressions to denote each character distinctly, allowing for a seamless transition between roles.
Step 7
2.7 Discuss how Woza Albert! might be a 'reflection of the cultural reality' (lines 7–8) that influenced the creation of the play.
Answer
Woza Albert! reflects the cultural reality of its time by addressing themes such as poverty, unemployment, and racism. The characters in the play are representative of the South African populace, facing systemic issues that affect their daily lives. By incorporating socio-political context, the play not only presents the struggles of its characters but also serves as a commentary on the broader societal issues, thereby highlighting the cultural realities that birthed the play.