QUESTION 5: NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH BY JOHN KANI Study SOURCE E below and answer the questions that follow - NSC Dramatic Arts - Question 5 - 2019 - Paper 1

Sipho mourns the loss of his brother, Themba, and feels that he did not get the opportunity to express his feelings before his death. He harbors resentment towards Themba's choices and the manner in which he lived his life. Additionally, Sipho withholds information about Thando's affair with Sindiswa from Thando, which adds another layer of familial tension.

The introduction of Manda, Themba's daughter, escalates the conflict as she arrives with the ashes, bringing the family's unresolved issues to the forefront. The play deftly illustrates how each character's emotional turmoil contributes to the overarching sense of crisis within the family.

The play 'Nothing But The Truth' employs realism to create a relatable and believable portrayal of family dynamics.

Costumes: The costumes are carefully designed to reflect the characters' social status and the time period, grounding the play in its socio-political context.

Subject Matter: The issues explored, including family secrets and the impact of apartheid, resonate with contemporary audiences, allowing them to connect on a personal level. It serves as a reflection of real-life struggles faced by many.

By focusing on these elements, Kani effectively conveys the raw emotions and complexities of familial relationships, making the narrative compelling and thought-provoking.

In 'Nothing But The Truth', Stanislavski’s System is effectively employed to enhance character development and emotional depth. Every action taken by the characters serves a distinct purpose, revealing their motivations and internal conflicts.

Action: For example, Sipho’s deep-seated resentment manifests in his interactions with other characters, making the audience aware of his internal struggles.

Objectives: Each character possesses individual objectives that drive their actions throughout the play, creating tension and pushing the narrative forward.

This method allows the actors to fully immerse themselves in their roles, making their portrayals authentic and compelling, ultimately inviting the audience to engage with the characters’ emotional journeys.

The set of 'Nothing But The Truth' is crafted to reflect the realistic home environment of the Makaya family. It consists of minimalistic features that suggest a typical South African household, fostering a sense of familiarity for the audience.

Realism: The realistic design includes elements like bookshelves filled with personal items, adding depth to the characters’ lives. The intimate setting creates an opportunity for actors to engage closely with their environment, enhancing the overall performance.

This choice of set design contributes greatly to the narrative, as it visually represents the themes of family and memory, drawing the audience further into the story.

The title 'Nothing But The Truth' directly reflects the central theme of the play, which revolves around the quest for honesty within the Makaya family. It explores how truths, both painful and liberating, shape the characters' realities and their relationships.

The duality in the title also invites audiences to question the nature of truth itself—what is revealed and what remains hidden? The play addresses the complexities of truth as it relates to personal identity and family history, effectively illustrating the conflict between personal desires and the universal need for truth.

In conclusion, the title encapsulates the essence of the narrative, emphasizing the significant revelations that emerge as the characters confront their past.