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Study SOURCE H below and answer the questions that follow - NSC Dramatic Arts - Question 8 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 8
Study SOURCE H below and answer the questions that follow. SOURCE H POOR THEATRE CONVENTIONS by Justin Cash Polish theatre practitioner, Jerzy Grotowski (1933–19... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Study SOURCE H below and answer the questions that follow - NSC Dramatic Arts - Question 8 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
Define Poor Theatre.
Answer
Poor Theatre is a theatrical approach that strips theatre of external technical elements and support, such as lighting, sound, and costumes. It emphasizes the essential role of the actors, requiring them to use their personal resources to create the environment, thus putting the focus on the performance itself.
Step 2
Write brief notes on Grotowski’s view of actors and acting.
Answer
Grotowski viewed the actor as a vehicle, using voice, imagination, and emotions to communicate with the audience. The actor's role goes beyond performance; it involves vulnerability, as they lay bare their experiences and emotions. He believed that through techniques like Via Negativa, actors could reach deeper emotional expressions by eliminating psychological barriers.
Step 3
Explain how South African theatre was influenced by Poor Theatre during the days of Apartheid.
Answer
During Apartheid, many South Africans lacked access to traditional theatre spaces, which led to the adoption of Poor Theatre principles. It offered a resourceful alternative that allowed performances in various non-traditional locations, making theatre more accessible. The ideas of Poor Theatre were echoed in works like Mbongeni Ngema and Percy Mtwa, enabling artists to resist censorship and express their societal realities.
Step 4
Briefly discuss how the work of Stanislavski (lines 6 and 7) has contributed to the theatre world.
Answer
Stanislavski created techniques for actors that emphasized realistic portrayals of their characters. He instilled a sense of discipline and focused on the inner psychological processes of acting, which paved the way for modern acting methods that prioritize authenticity and emotional connection.
Step 5
Compare how Grotowski and Stanislavski used theatre space in terms of the actor-audience relationship.
Answer
Stanislavski established an invisible fourth wall between the actor and the audience, creating an intimate yet distant interaction. In contrast, Grotowski eliminated this barrier, placing the audience directly in the performance space. This significantly altered the dynamic, fostering a more immersive and immediate experience.
Step 6
Suggest why Grotowski believed that theatre could not compete with 'rich' film (line 11).
Answer
Grotowski believed that theatre, being a temporary experience, could not replicate the depth and permanence of film, which can be stored and watched repeatedly. He recognized film's ability to create rich, multi-layered experiences that theatre could not match in terms of accessibility and the emotional impact generated over different time frames.
Step 7
Describe how you have applied the principles of Grotowski OR Stanislavski OR film in your work in the Dramatic Arts.
Answer
In my dramatic work, I have applied Grotowski's principles by focusing on minimalistic staging to enhance the power of the actor’s performance. By prioritizing the actor's emotional authenticity and using personal resources to create a compelling narrative, I aim for a profound engagement with the audience. This approach enables me to explore themes deeply without relying heavily on technical elements.