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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
Step 2
Write brief notes on Grotowski’s view of actors and acting.
Answer
Grotowski viewed the actor as a 'Holy' being, a vessel for communication through voice, imagination, and emotions. He believed that the role of the actor involved 'laying oneself bare' to the audience, thus establishing a deep connection. The actor must remain organic in their responses and must be free of psychological barriers. Grotowski advocated for the use of external masks to express profound emotions and emphasized that the ideal actor sacrifices their body to convey truth on stage.
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. Poor Theatre provided an alternative that focused on low-budget productions and grassroots performances. The principles of Poor Theatre were aligned with the struggles of the population, leading to performances in unconventional spaces such as streets and churches, making theatre more accessible to the community.
Step 4
Briefly discuss how the work of Stanislavski (lines 6 and 7) has contributed to the theatre world.
Answer
Stanislavski's techniques for actors focused on portraying their characters more realistically. He introduced methods such as emotional memory and the use of improvisation, requiring greater discipline from his actors. His work laid the foundations for modern acting, influencing various schools and practices that followed.
Step 5
Compare how Grotowski and Stanislavski viewed theatre space in terms of the actor-audience relationship.
Answer
Stanislavski created an invisible fourth wall between the actor and the audience, maintaining the intimacy of their interaction. In contrast, Grotowski eliminated this distance, placing actors and audience members in close proximity, allowing for a more immersive and shared experience in the same space.
Step 6
Suggest why Grotowski believed that theatre could not compete with 'rich' film (line 11).
Answer
Grotowski believed that theatre is a temporary experience, unlike film, which can be stored and revisited. He argued that film's ability to employ various locations and time frames provided a richer, more varied experience that live theatre could not replicate.
Step 7
Describe how you have applied the principles of Grotowski OR Stanislavski OR both in your practical Drama and the Dramatic Arts.
Answer
In my practical Drama work, I applied Grotowski's principles by emphasizing physicality in performance and creating an active relationship with the audience. I used minimal props to focus on the emotional connection and the dynamics between actors and spectators. Alternatively, I incorporated Stanislavski's techniques of emotional memory to delve deeper into character motivations, enhancing the realism of my portrayals.