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8.1 Define Realism as a theatrical movement - English General - NSC Dramatic Arts - Question 8 - 2016 - Paper 1
Question 8
8.1 Define Realism as a theatrical movement. 8.2 Explain the various features of a realistic play. You may refer to any realistic play that you have studied or seen... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:8.1 Define Realism as a theatrical movement - English General - NSC Dramatic Arts - Question 8 - 2016 - Paper 1
Step 1
Define Realism as a theatrical movement.
Answer
Realism is a theatrical movement that emerged as a reaction against Romanticism. It champions the depiction of life as it truly is, eschewing exaggerated emotions and dramatic plots. Realism aims to reflect on everyday activities, encapsulating the struggles and triumphs of ordinary people. It often employs authentic settings, character behaviors, and dialogue to enhance the audience's connection with the narrative. The movement is characterized by its ability to create the illusion of reality on stage, leading to a more immersive and relatable theatrical experience.
Step 2
Explain the various features of a realistic play. You may refer to any realistic play that you have studied or seen.
Answer
A realistic play is defined by several key features:
- Dialogue: The dialogue is often written in a natural, spoken language that mirrors everyday conversations, adding authenticity to the characters.
- Setting: Realistic plays frequently utilize realistic sets, such as a box set, to create a believable environment for the story.
- Characters: Characters in realistic plays are usually well-rounded, with desires, struggles, and backstories that make them relatable and human.
- Emergence of the Director: The role of the director is crucial in shaping the play's vision and ensuring the psychological realism is effectively portrayed.
- Concealed Lights: Lighting is often used subtly to reinforce the illusion of reality, typically hidden from the audience's view.
- Life Elements: Themes of everyday life are emphasized, often reflecting societal issues relevant to the time period of the play.
- Audience's Empathic Response: The presentation seeks to elicit an emotional response from the audience, drawing them into the characters' worlds.
- Action and Conflict: The plot often revolves around normal life events, emphasizing conflict through realistic situations.
These features work collaboratively to immerse the audience in a slice of life, allowing them to reflect on their own experiences through the lens of the characters.
Step 3
Define and discuss the features of any TWO of the following 20th century philosophies/theatrical movements (-isms) that you have studied this year: Constructivism, Dadaism, Existentialism, Expressionism, Futurism, Surrealism, Symbolism.
Answer
Constructivism
Constructivism began in Russia and emphasizes utilitarianism in theater. The movement is characterized by non-decorative performances and a focus on structures and platforms that express the human condition. The aim is to engage the audience both physically and intellectually, often employing multimedia elements and integrating everyday objects into the performance.
Existentialism
Existentialism emerged as a philosophical response to the absurdity of life, questioning the meaning and purpose of existence. In theater, it reflects themes of despair and human struggle, often portraying characters in chaotic situations that highlight the illogic of life. Existentialists believe that individuals must find their own purpose; this philosophy significantly influenced works in the Theater of the Absurd, emphasizing emotional and psychological depth within the character's experiences.