SOURCE A You have been chosen to direct a school production of Woza Albert! at your school - NSC Dramatic Arts - Question 2 - 2016 - Paper 1

Satire is a literary technique that uses humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize or mock societal norms, individuals, or political systems. It aims to provoke critical thinking and inspire change by highlighting absurdities.

In the opening scene, the character Percy, who wears a ping-pong ball nose, represents the white policeman during apartheid. This scene mocks the absurdity of the bureaucratic processes that oppressed black citizens, illustrating how they were treated as lesser beings.

Another scene involves Baas Kom, who is represented by another actor with a ping-pong nose, showcasing his exploitation of black workers. Through humor, the play shines a light on the socio-economic inequalities and the absurdity of the power dynamics.

The actors can use various sound effects to evoke the setting of the play. For example, they could create siren sounds to symbolize the arrival of oppressive forces, signaling danger and tension in the environment. Additionally, the sounds of passing cars can enhance scenes where the characters are competing for jobs, representing the hustle and bustle of life in a politically charged atmosphere.

The actors focus on the same imaginary point by aligning their eye lines and maintaining surprise expressions on their faces. By ensuring their eyes are wide open and their gaze is synchronized, they create the illusion of a shared focus, enhancing the believability of the scene for the audience.