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NATIONAL
SENIOR CERTIFICATE
GRADE 12
DRAMATIC ARTS
NOVEMBER 2023
MARKS: 150
TIME: 3 hours
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Dramatic Arts Grade 12 NSC November 2023 QP (Eng)
Grade 12 Dramatic Arts question paper from the NSC November Exam 2023 (English), 19 pages. Read online or get the free PDF download, memo linked when available.
Dramatic Arts · Grade 12 · NSC November Exam · 2023. Question paper, 19 pages. Read online or download the PDF.
- Subject
- Dramatic Arts
- Grade
- Grade 12
- Document type
- Question paper
- Year
- 2023
- Exam period
- NSC November Exam
- Curriculum
- CAPS
- Pages
- 19
- File size
- 1.2 MB
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NSC November Exam 2023
- Other filesQuestion paper · EngQuestion paper · Afr
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Dramatic Arts 2 DBE/November 2023
NSC
INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION
1. This question paper consists of FOUR sections:
SECTION A: 20th Century European Theatre Movements (30)
SECTION B: South African Theatre: 1960–1994 (40)
SECTION C: South African Theatre: Post-1994–Contemporary (40)
SECTION D: The History of Theatre, Practical Concepts, Content and Skills (40)
2. SECTION A
QUESTION 1 is COMPULSORY.
Refer to ONE of the play texts below that you have studied and its relevant
20th Century European Theatre Movement.
EPIC THEATRE
Caucasian Chalk Circle Bertolt Brecht
Kaukasiese Krytsirkel Translation of Bertolt Brecht play text
Mother Courage Bertolt Brecht
Moeder Courage Translation of Bertolt Brecht play text
The Good Person of Szechwan Bertolt Brecht
Kanna Hy Kô Hystoe Adam Small
OR
THEATRE OF THE ABSURD
Waiting for Godot Samuel Beckett
Afspraak met Godot Translation of Samuel Beckett play text
Bagasie André P Brink
The Bald Primadonna Eugene Ionesco
Die Kaalkop Primadonna Translation of Eugene Ionesco play text
OR
POST-MODERN THEATRE
Skrapnel Willem Anker
Top Girls Carol Churchill
Popcorn Ben Elton
Buried Child Sam Shepard
3. SECTION B
This section consists of THREE questions. Answer only ONE question in this
section.
QUESTION 2: Woza Albert! Percy Mtwa, Mbongeni Ngema and
Barney Simon OR
QUESTION 3: Sophiatown Junction Avenue Theatre Company OR
QUESTION 4: Siener in die Suburbs PG du Plessis
4. SECTION C
This section consists of THREE questions. Answer only ONE question in this
section.
QUESTION 5: Nothing but the Truth John Kani OR
QUESTION 6: Groundswell Ian Bruce OR
QUESTION 7: Missing Reza de Wet
5. SECTION D
This section is COMPULSORY. Answer QUESTIONS 8 and 9.
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Dramatic Arts 3 DBE/November 2023
NSC
SECTION A: 20th CENTURY EUROPEAN THEATRE MOVEMENTS
This question is COMPULSORY.
QUESTION 1
Refer to SOURCE A, B or C below and answer the question that follows.
SOURCE A: THEATRE OF THE ABSURD
[Source: Examiner's own text]
OR
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Dramatic Arts 4 DBE/November 2023
NSC
SOURCE B: EPIC THEATRE
Lehrstücke
epic theatre
houselights stay on
archetypes
historification
[Source: Examiner's own text]
OR
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Dramatic Arts 5 DBE/November 2023
NSC
SOURCE C: POSTMODERN THEATRE
postmodern theatre
no grand narrative
non-traditional theatre
psychoanalysis
[Source: Examiner's own text]
Select SOURCE A, B OR C. These sources contain many characteristics of Theatre of
the Absurd, Epic Theatre OR Postmodern Theatre.
In an essay, discuss how the characteristics of Theatre of the Absurd, Epic Theatre OR
Postmodern Theatre are seen in the play text you studied. Refer to the characters and
themes of the play.
Write the title of the play text and the 20th Century Movement (Theatre of the Absurd
OR Epic Theatre OR Postmodern Theatre) you studied, as a heading before the
beginning of your essay.
TOTAL SECTION A: 30
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Dramatic Arts 6 DBE/November 2023
NSC
SECTION B: SOUTH AFRICAN THEATRE: 1960–1994
Answer only ONE question in this section.
QUESTION 2: WOZA ALBERT! BY PERCY MTWA, MBONGENI NGEMA AND
BARNEY SIMON
Study SOURCE D below and answer the questions that follow.
SOURCE D: A SCENE FROM WOZA ALBERT!
[Source: Sowetan Live]
2.1 Name the TWO characters in SOURCE D. (2)
2.2 Suggest how the actors create the mood of the scene depicted in
SOURCE D. (4)
2.3 Describe the set used in the play. (4)
2.4 Explain why the set is a suitable environment for a performance of the play. (4)
2.5 Motivate why the costumes in SOURCE D are suitable for an actor in
Poor Theatre. (4)
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Dramatic Arts 7 DBE/November 2023
NSC
Study SOURCE E below and answer the questions that follow.
SOURCE E: AN EXTRACT FROM A PRESS RELEASE ABOUT WOZA ALBERT!
The brilliance of Woza Albert! is not only in the story of Morena (Jesus Christ) coming
to an apartheid South Africa, but also in the fact that the two actors were able to create
a whole world on stage vocally and physically using the workshop process. They
perform many characters that highlight the South African human condition during
apartheid, with its racism, police brutality, poverty, forced removals, exploitation, etc. 5
– Themba Ntshingila
2.6 Analyse how the actors were 'able to create a whole world on stage' vocally
and/or physically (lines 2–3). Refer to specific examples in the play. (6)
2.7 Discuss the workshop process as used by Mbongeni Ngema and Percy Mtwa
to create the play Woza Albert! (6)
2.8 Evaluate how Woza Albert! manages to highlight the 'South African human
condition during apartheid with its racism, police brutality, poverty, forced
removals, exploitation, etc.' (lines 4–5) and why it is still relevant to our
society today.
Refer to any THREE of these themes in your answer. (10)
[40]
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Dramatic Arts 8 DBE/November 2023
NSC
QUESTION 3: SOPHIATOWN BY THE JUNCTION AVENUE THEATRE COMPANY
Study SOURCE F below and answer the questions that follow.
SOURCE F: A SCENE FROM SOPHIATOWN
[Source: Google Images]
3.1 Identify TWO female characters on stage in SOURCE F. (2)
3.2 Suggest how the actors create the mood of the scene depicted in SOURCE F. (4)
3.3 Describe the set used in the play. (4)
3.4 Explain why the set is a suitable environment for a performance of the play. (4)
3.5 Motivate whether or not the costumes are suitable for Sophiatown. (4)
3.6 Discuss how THREE of the female characters in the play find a way to survive
in Sophiatown. (6)
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Dramatic Arts 9 DBE/November 2023
NSC
Study SOURCE G and answer the questions that follow.
SOURCE G: AN EXTRACT FROM A PRESS RELEASE ABOUT SOPHIATOWN
This lively and memorable Township Musical is being revived with a new, young cast
under the experienced eye of director Malcolm Purkey.
In his director's note, Purkey says, 'I have chosen to focus on the issues of family,
identity, cultural diversity, race and conflict. Clearly these themes are still relevant for a
post-apartheid South Africa.' 5
– Sam Dube
3.7 Describe and analyse the characteristics of a Township Musical. (6)
3.8 Evaluate how the issues of family, identity, cultural diversity, race and conflict
are reflected in the play Sophiatown and why they are still relevant to our
society today.
Refer to any THREE of these themes in your answer. (10)
[40]
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Dramatic Arts 10 DBE/November 2023
NSC
QUESTION 4: SIENER IN DIE SUBURBS BY PG DU PLESSIS
Study SOURCE H below and answer the questions that follow.
SOURCE H: A SCENE FROM SIENER IN DIE SUBURBS
[Source: Google Images]
4.1 Identify the TWO characters in SOURCE H. (2)
4.2 Suggest how the actors create the mood of the scene depicted in
SOURCE H. (4)
4.3 Describe the set used in the play. (4)
4.4 Explain why the set is a suitable environment for a performance of the play. (4)
4.5 Motivate whether or not the costumes in SOURCE H are suitable for Siener in
die Suburbs. (4)
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Dramatic Arts 11 DBE/November 2023
NSC
Study SOURCE I and answer the questions that follow.
SOURCE I: AN EXTRACT FROM A PRESS RELEASE ABOUT SIENER IN DIE
SUBURBS
The play Siener in die Suburbs shows us characters struggling for personal freedom.
They dare to dream and hope for a better life, even at a time when disappointment is a
constant reality. 3
– Jay Cohen
4.6 Identify the genre/style of Siener in die Suburbs. (2)
4.7 Analyse how the genre/style identified in QUESTION 4.6 is reflected in Siener
in die Suburbs. (6)
4.8 Explain how TWO of the female characters find a way to survive in their
circumstances. (4)
4.9 Discuss how the play Siener in die Suburbs explores the themes of freedom,
dreams and hopes through the characters and their situations and why they
are still relevant to our society today.
Refer to the THREE themes in your answer. (10)
[40]
TOTAL SECTION B: 40
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Dramatic Arts 12 DBE/November 2023
NSC
SECTION C: SOUTH AFRICAN THEATRE: POST-1994–CONTEMPORARY
Answer only ONE question in this section.
QUESTION 5: NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH BY JOHN KANI
Study SOURCE J below and answer the questions that follow.
SOURCE J: AN EMPTY THEATRE SPACE
[Source: Google Images]
Imagine you have been asked to direct Nothing But The Truth in the theatre depicted in
SOURCE J above.
5.1 Identify the stage type depicted in SOURCE J. (2)
5.2 Inform your set designer what the set should look like for Nothing But The
Truth. (2)
5.3 List the furniture and props required on the set. (6)
5.4 Make notes on how you might stage the opening moments of the play to
engage the audience from the start. Refer to blocking, technical elements and
the actor-audience relationship in your answer. (6)
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Dramatic Arts 13 DBE/November 2023
NSC
Study SOURCE K below and answer the questions that follow.
SOURCE K: TWO OF THE ACTORS YOU CAST IN NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH
[Source: Google Images]
5.5 As director, provide the following character biographies for the actors cast in
your production in SOURCE K:
The names of the characters they are playing
The family background of each character
The personality of each character
The characters in relation to each other in the play (8)
5.6 Describe the function of the following members of your production team:
Stage manager
Backstage crew
Technical team (6)
5.7 Write an article (paragraph) to advertise your production to a modern-day
audience under the following heading:
Nothing But The Truth: A MUST-SEE production!
Discuss how the storyline and themes of the play might make this a
'must-see' production. (10)
[40]
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Dramatic Arts 14 DBE/November 2023
NSC
QUESTION 6: GROUNDSWELL BY IAN BRUCE
Study SOURCE L below and answer the questions that follow.
SOURCE L: AN EMPTY THEATRE SPACE
[Source: Google Images]
Imagine you have been asked to direct Groundswell in the theatre depicted in
SOURCE L above.
6.1 Identify the stage type depicted in SOURCE L. (2)
6.2 Inform your set designer what the set should look like for Groundswell. (2)
6.3 List the furniture and props required on the set. (6)
6.4 Make notes on how you might stage the opening moments of the play to
engage the audience from the start. Refer to blocking, technical elements and
the actor-audience relationship in your answer. (6)
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Dramatic Arts 15 DBE/November 2023
NSC
Study SOURCE M below and answer the questions that follow.
SOURCE M: TWO OF THE ACTORS CAST IN YOUR PRODUCTION OF
GROUNDSWELL
[Source: Photo by Katarzyna Woranowicz]
6.5 As director, provide the following character biographies for the actors cast in
your production in SOURCE M:
The names of the characters they are playing
The background of each character
The personality of each character
The characters in relation to each other in the play (8)
6.6 Describe the function of the following members of your production team:
Stage manager
Backstage crew
Technical team (6)
6.7 Write an article (paragraph) to advertise your production to a modern-day
audience under the following heading:
Groundswell: A MUST-SEE production!
Discuss how the storyline and themes of the play might make this a
'must-see' production. (10)
[40]
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Dramatic Arts 16 DBE/November 2023
NSC
QUESTION 7: MISSING BY REZA DE WET
Study SOURCE N below and answer the questions that follow.
SOURCE N: AN EMPTY THEATRE SPACE
[Source: Google Images]
Imagine you have been asked to direct Missing in the theatre depicted in SOURCE N
above.
7.1 Identify the stage type depicted in SOURCE N. (2)
7.2 Inform your set designer what the set should look like for Missing. (2)
7.3 List the furniture and props required on the set. (6)
7.4 Make notes on how you might stage the opening moments of the play to
engage the audience from the start. Refer to blocking, technical elements and
actor-audience relationship in your answer. (6)
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Dramatic Arts 17 DBE/November 2023
NSC
Study SOURCE O below and answer the questions that follow.
SOURCE O: TWO OF THE ACTORS CAST IN YOUR PRODUCTION OF MISSING
[Source: A production of Missing by André Stolz]
7.5 As director, provide the following character biographies for the actors cast in
your production in SOURCE O:
The names of the characters they are playing
The background of each character
The personality of each character
The characters in relation to each other in the play (8)
7.6 Describe the function of the following members of your production team:
Stage manager
Backstage crew
Technical team (6)
7.7 Write an article (paragraph) to advertise your production to a modern-day
audience under the following heading:
Missing: A MUST-SEE production!
Discuss how the storyline and themes of the play might make this a
'must-see' production. (10)
[40]
TOTAL SECTION C: 40
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Dramatic Arts 18 DBE/November 2023
NSC
SECTION D: THE HISTORY OF THEATRE, PRACTICAL CONCEPTS, CONTENT
AND SKILLS
QUESTIONS 8 and 9 are COMPULSORY.
QUESTION 8
Study SOURCE P below and answer the questions that follow.
SOURCE P: AN IMPROVISED SCENE, USING POOR THEATRE, PHYSICAL
THEATRE AND MIME IN AN ENVIRONMENTAL THEATRE
PRODUCTION
[Source: Horn of Sorrow, YouTube]
8.1 Write a paragraph about the history and style of Poor Theatre. Include
information under the following subheadings:
Define Poor Theatre
o Via Negativa
o The Holy Actor
o Actor exercises
o Actor-audience relationship (10)
8.2 Define the following theatre terms:
8.2.1 Improvisation (2)
8.2.2 Mime (2)
8.2.3 Physical Theatre (2)
8.2.4 Performance space (2)
8.2.5 Environmental Theatre (2)
[20]
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Dramatic Arts 19 DBE/November 2023
NSC
QUESTION 9
Study SOURCE Q and answer the questions that follow.
SOURCE Q: THOUGHTS IN THE MIND OF A DRAMATIC ARTS LEARNER
My self-
confidence
developed
I like acting
and …
Time management
is a challenge for Given
me … circumstances
[Source: Google Images and examiner's own text]
9.1 SOURCE Q is an example of the thoughts in the mind of a Dramatic Arts
learner.
Create a new sketch/image (a mind map/drawing/spider diagram/brief notes,
etc.) with labels indicating your own thoughts about your own experience of
Dramatic Arts.
Make sure that you include TEN thoughts. (10)
9.2 Select THREE thoughts you indicated in your sketch in QUESTION 9.1.
Discuss EACH of these THREE thoughts in detail to reflect on your
experiences as a Dramatic Arts learner. (10)
[20]
TOTAL SECTION D: 40
GRAND TOTAL: 150
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