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You are cast as ONE of the characters in the play - NSC Dramatic Arts - Question 5 - 2016 - Paper 1
Question 5
You are cast as ONE of the characters in the play. Refer to SOURCE F and answer the questions that follow. 5.1.1 Write a brief description of your character. 5.1.2... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:You are cast as ONE of the characters in the play - NSC Dramatic Arts - Question 5 - 2016 - Paper 1
Step 1
5.1.1 Write a brief description of your character.
Answer
For this question, I will select Sipho, a 63-year-old Assistant Chief Librarian at the Port Elizabeth Public Library. He is portrayed as a conservative individual and a traditional Xhosa father, grappling with feelings of anger and resentment due to past losses and perceived lack of professional advancement. Sipho's character embodies the tensions of familial duty against personal aspirations, bringing a rich emotional depth to his interactions within the play.
Step 2
5.1.2 Discuss your preparation to portray your character realistically:
Answer
During rehearsals
To prepare for Sipho, I would focus on understanding his background and emotional journey. I would analyze key scenes to explore his motivations and relationships, especially with his daughter and Mandisa. Using Stanislavski's system, I would engage in exercises to embody Sipho’s physicality and gestures authentically, ensuring I convey his frustrations and cultural tensions.
Backstage just before a performance
Backstage, I would engage in vocal warm-ups to ready my speech and emotional resonance, crucial for conveying Sipho’s often intense dialogues. I would practice relaxation techniques to maintain focus, allowing me to tap into Sipho's emotional depth just before stepping on stage. I would also visualize connections with other characters to prepare for heartfelt interactions.
Step 3
5.2 Name a stage type that would reflect the realistic nature of the play.
Answer
A proscenium stage would be effective in reflecting the realistic nature of the play. This type of stage frames the action, allowing the audience to engage in a more intimate observation of the characters while also providing a clear separation between the stage and the audience.
Step 4
5.3 Describe THREE other realistic staging elements of the play.
Answer
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Realistic Set Design: The set should reflect an authentic South African home environment, showcasing everyday items that indicate Sipho’s profession and lifestyle, such as bookshelves and traditional Xhosa decorations.
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Natural Lighting: Utilizing dim, warm lighting to evoke different times of day can assist in creating a believable atmosphere, enhancing emotional moments and supporting the narrative flow.
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Costumes: Authentic costumes that reflect traditional Xhosa attire alongside contemporary clothing for characters like Mandisa would visually represent the cultural tensions central to the play's themes.
Step 5
5.4 Evaluate the effectiveness of using SOURCE F as a poster to advertise a production of Nothing But The Truth.
Answer
SOURCE F could be effectively used as a poster as it encapsulates vital elements of the play. The imagery, with characters in intense expressions and symbolic items like the urn and scales of justice, evokes themes of memory, justice, and cultural conflict. Moreover, the interplay of shadows highlights the tension between past and present, engaging potential audiences. However, the effectiveness could be hindered if the symbols aren't well-understood or if the color palette is perceived as dull.
Step 6
5.5 Explain how the two female characters in Nothing But The Truth reflect the tension between Western and African cultures.
Answer
Thando and Mandisa represent different cultural perspectives. Thando struggles with her African identity, feeling constrained by her father's traditional values while yearning for freedom and self-expression. In contrast, Mandisa embodies Western ideals yet faces a conflict of engaging with her heritage. Their interactions highlight the generational and cultural clashes, illustrating the complexities of identity in a contemporary South African context.
Step 7
5.6 Discuss how SOURCE F may reflect the subject matter and themes of the play.
Answer
SOURCE F, with its imagery of the urn and scales, symbolizes the overarching themes of memory, loss, and justice in 'Nothing But The Truth.' The urn represents the weight of the past, the ashes of lost relationships, while the scales depict the quest for fairness and understanding between cultures. The positioning of the characters can also convey the tension and dynamics present in the narrative, effectively mirroring the play's exploration of truth and reconciliation amidst cultural strife.