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Province of the
EASTERN CAPE
EDUCATION
NATIONAL
SENIOR CERTIFICATE
GRADE 12
SEPTEMBER 2012
DRAMATIC ARTS
MEMORANDUM
MARKS: 150
This memorandum consists of 35 pages.
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Dramatic Arts Grade 12 P1 Eastern Cape Mock 2012 Memo (Eng)
Grade 12 Dramatic Arts Paper 1 memorandum from the Eastern Cape Mock Exam 2012 (English), 35 pages. Read online or download the free PDF.
Dramatic Arts · Grade 12 · Eastern Cape Mock Exam · 2012. Memorandum, 35 pages. Read online or download the PDF.
- Subject
- Dramatic Arts
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- Grade 12
- Document type
- Memorandum
- Year
- 2012
- Exam period
- Eastern Cape Mock Exam
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- CAPS
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This exam
Eastern Cape Mock Exam 2012
Questions in this paper
- Question 1Theatre of the Absurd, Epic Theatre and Postmodern Theatre30 marks
- Question 2Theatre of the Absurd, Epic Theatre and Postmodern Theatre30 marks
- Question 3South African Theatre (1960–1994)30 marks
- Question 4South African Theatre (1960–1994)30 marks
- Question 5South African Theatre (1960–1994)30 marks
- Question 6South African Contemporary Theatre (Post-1994)40 marks
Show all 13 questions
- Question 7South African Contemporary Theatre (Post-1994)30 marks
- Question 8South African Contemporary Theatre (Post-1994)30 marks
- Question 9Performance Skills and Technical Theatre15 marks
- Question 10Performance Skills and Technical Theatre15 marks
- Question 11Performance Skills and Technical Theatre15 marks
- Question 12Performance Skills and Technical Theatre15 marks
- Question 13South African Contemporary Theatre (Post-1994)15 marks
Document textSearch extracted text and jump to a page.
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2 DRAMATIC ARTS (Memo) (SEPTEMBER 2012)
GENERAL NOTES FOR EDUCATORS
1. As a marker, make short comments why a point was marked up or down if the
memorandum does not give a clear guideline and the marker has to use own
discretion.
2. Tick clearly to indicate the learning point which is being assessed. Markers should
engage actively with the answer.
3. Chief markers to facilitate the rubric with markers. The level descriptors of
Dramatic Arts to guide the marking.
4. Have regular rounds of consultation to ensure marking is standardised.
5. In the case where a candidate writes more than the suggested number of words –
do not penalise (essay question).
6. The memo discussion forum cannot sufficiently predict all responses. Provincial
markers to take this into account and be open to candidates' responses and make
sure that different teaching styles do not disadvantage the learner.
7. Spend the first day to unpack the quality and quantity of the evidence in the
memo and standardise and find common definitions and concepts.
8. Markers to align Assessment Standards with the questions.
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(SEPTEMBER 2012) DRAMATIC ARTS (Memo) 3
INSTRUCTIONS TO DRAMATIC ARTS MARKERS ON THE GRADE 12
EXAMINATION PAPER
1. The paper is THREE hours long.
2. The TOTAL marks for the paper is 150.
3. Reading time of FIFTEEN minutes has been allocated before the start of the
paper. This is necessary to provide candidates with the opportunity to make the
required choices.
4. The paper consists of THREE sections: SECTION A, SECTION B and SECTION
C. SECTION A counts 30 marks, SECTION B counts 60 marks, SECTION C
counts 60 marks
5. SECTION A consists of TWO questions focusing mainly on LO3 but LO2 is also
tested directly and indirectly:
• QUESTION 1: Epic Theatre (Caucasian Chalk Circle, Mother Courage or
Kanna Hy Kô Hystoe)
• QUESTION 2: Absurd Theatre (Waiting for Godot, The Bald Soprano or
another prescribed Theatre of the Absurd play)
Candidates must answer ONE of the two questions.
6. SECTION B consists of SIX questions focusing mainly on LO3 (but other LOs are
also tested directly and indirectly) and specific plays from the South African
theatre movement:
• QUESTION 3 (Boesman and Lena)
• QUESTION 4 (Woza Albert!)
• QUESTION 5 (Sophiatown)
• QUESTION 6 (Nothing but the Truth)
• QUESTION 7 (Siener in die Suburbs)
• QUESTION 8 (Mis)
Candidates must answer TWO of the SIX questions.
7. SECTION C consists of THREE questions focusing mainly on LO1 and LO4. LO2
is also tested directly and indirectly. This section is COMPULSORY. The
weighting of the LOs for the paper as per the SAG document is as follows:
• LO1 – 20% (30 marks)
• LO3 – 60% (90 marks)
• LO4 – 20% (30 marks)
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4 DRAMATIC ARTS (Memo) (SEPTEMBER 2012)
SECTION A UNDERSTAND AND ANALYSE
QUESTION 1 EPIC THEATRE
THIS QUESTION REFERS TO CAUCASIAN CHALK CIRCLE OR MOTHER COURAGE OR KANNA HY KÔ HYSTOE
See the rubric, as well as the suggested answer below to guide you in the marking process for QUESTION 1.1.
CATEGORY MARK DESCRIPTORS (EVIDENCE)
Well-organised, comprehensive and coherent, impeccable structure.
Displays an exceptional high level of competence for processing information, for original interpretation and
Outstanding
18-20 thoughtful selection of facts.
achievement
Candidate uses a selection of relevant dramatic references.
Insightful, fluent, observation and knowledge authoritatively expressed.
Well-organised, detailed and coherent, polished structure.
Meritorious Displays a high level of competence and careful selection of facts to process information.
16-17
achievement Candidate uses a selection of relevant dramatic references.
Shows insight, observation and knowledge well expressed.
Organised, detailed, some level of competence, some slight flaws evident in structure.
Substantial Interesting reading, clear statements, convincing, and simple direct language.
14-15
achievement Supported by a selection of relevant dramatic references.
Shows good understanding of the theme/task, some logical statements.
Structure not always logical.
Adequate Displays a basic understanding but tends towards mechanistic and stereotyped responses at times.
12-13
achievement Adequate selection of relevant dramatic references.
Adequate reading but feels memorized. Not always a high level of insight.
Not always organised, not logically constructed.
Moderate
9-11 Limited selection of information, poor language skills might be a contributing factor.
achievement
Candidate lacks the ability to support his/her answer with suitable examples.
Rambling – no structure, limited vocabulary, little attempt to present information in an acceptable manner,
Elementary little effort made to present work in an acceptable manner.
6-8
achievement Very little information, jumbled, not easy to follow, often irrelevant.
Candidate lacks the ability to support his/her answer with suitable examples.
Incoherent, very little work, limited skills, in need of support.
Not achieved 0-5 Irrelevant
Simple phrases or words written down that candidate has learnt but does not understand.
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(SEPTEMBER 2012) DRAMATIC ARTS (Memo) 5
SECTION A UNDERSTAND AND ANALYSE
QUESTION 1 EPIC THEATRE
1.1 POSSIBLE ANSWER
Alienation
Historification
Epic Structure
Historification: Means using material drawn from other times or places.
Brecht argued that the dramatist should emphasis the “Pastiness”- the
removal of past patterns and events from the present. He should attempt
to arouse the spectator that he has been living in the conditions of the play
and that he have taken some positive actions. The audience should then
see the changes and that it is possible to make social changes in the
present.
Alienation: In addition to historification, the playwright may use other
means for making things strange. He may deliberately call the audience‟s
attention to make- believe nature of the work rather than trying to convince
the audience of the play‟s reality.
Songs, narrative passages, filmed sequences and other devices may be
used for this purpose. The audience must never be allowed to feel
confused what it sees on stage with reality. The play should comment
upon life and should be watched and judged critically.
Brecht always insisted that the Theatre should bring pleasure to be found
in “productive participation” which involves the active judgement of the
spectator and the application of what he sees on the stage to conditions
outside theatre. To enable the spectator to watch productively he should
be “alienated” from the plays events Alienation does not mean that the
spectator should not become emotionally involved with the characters and
their actions. Emotional response is always part of the larger, critical
response however.
Each element of production was designed to contribute to the “alienation”
of the spectator. Brecht vision was the independence of each art form.
Take for instance music should comment upon the action rather than
merely underscoring the meaning of the words. The contrast between
music and words creates alienation and forces the spectator into a
thoughtful consideration of the song‟s significance. Likewise scenery in
Brecht plays only created illusion. He advocates projections, fragmentary
and set pieces indicating the location of action.
In his writing Brecht advises the actor to think of his role in the third
person. In this way, the player avoids trying to „become the character‟ (as
he might if using the Stanislavski method).
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6 DRAMATIC ARTS (Memo) (SEPTEMBER 2012)
As a further aid in „alienation‟ Brecht wishes to keep the action „theatrical‟
by letting the mechanics of the theatre remain visible. He suggests letting
the lighting instruments be seen, changing the scenery in view of the
audience, and placing the musicians on stage The theatre, by such
devices, is prevented from lulling the audience into a feeling of security
and timelessness and is aided in engaging both the emotions and the
judgement of the spectator in such a way as to alert his powers and sense
of responsibility in society.
Brecht calls his theatre „epic‟ for a number of reasons. First of all, he
wishes to distinguish ideas from those of the traditional or „dramatic;‟
theatre. Second, he thinks that his theatre resembles the epic poem more
than in does the drama of the past. The epic poem is composed of
alternating sections of dialogue and narration, and the entire story is
presented from the viewpoint of a single storyteller. The epic poem also
has almost complete freedom in changing place and time; it tells about
some scenes and shows others; it bridges great passages of time through
a single sentence or brief narrative passage; it may easily cover the entire
sweep of an historical period.
Epic theatre is about the social condition of man; it reports and comments
upon various aspects of that condition. As with other forms of Theatre for
Social Action, Epic Theatre sees the ultimate effect of drama as occurring
outside the theatre. The play stirs up thought and incites the spectator to
act for desirable social reforms. In this way it escapes becoming an optic
and assumes a vital and productive role in men‟s lives. (20)
1.2 1.2.1 Counterpoint
Contrasting argument, plot, idea or theme, a melody played in
conjunction with and in contrast to another. (3)
1.2.2 Paradox
A seemingly absurd or contradictory statement, even if actually
well-founded. (2)
1.2.3 Discordant
Contradictory, in conflict or disagreement with the logic. (2)
1.2.4 Satire
The use of ridicule irony to expose folly or vice, often to mock
those power. (1)
1.2.5 Tableau
A striking, vivid representation or image (still picture). (2)
[30]
OR
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(SEPTEMBER 2012) DRAMATIC ARTS (Memo) 7
QUESTION 2 THEATER OF ABSURD
Answer this question if you have studied Waiting for Godot OR The Bald
Primadonna OR another prescribed Theatre of the Absurd play.
2.1 The answer below is simply suggested. The essays should be
marked using the rubric grid and take into consideration the
candidates approach to the topic. Motivated, original answers that
show insight should be credited. According to the play that they
have studied.
Learners should not be marked down if they write more than 3 pages.
Candidates should not be penalized if they do not refer to the quote
directly. General use of quotes also not essential to substantiate the
answers. Candidates' answers could contain any of the following generic
points on characters, style of language and themes.
Absurdists are mainly concerned with mankind's search for meaning and
try to make sense of their senseless position and come to terms with their
hopeless situation. Absurd drama therefore creates an environment where
people are isolated. They are clown- like characters blundering their way
through life because they do not know what else to do. Often the
characters stay together simply because they are afraid to be alone in
such an incomprehensible world, e.g. Estragon and Vladimir in Waiting
for Godot. Unlike realism where the characters are well rounded, fully
developed, psychologically convincing, the characters in The Theatre of
the Absurd lack identity and are dull, uninteresting and lack dimension.
Instead of having virtues the characters are flawed and because they are
not well-rounded, they remain static and show no development. They
come across as being repulsive, pathetic, miserable and incapable. They
are emotionally empty and are representative of the human condition as
defined by Theatre of the Absurd. The characters are representative of
humanity, rather than an attempt to create a 'real' person on stage. Their
qualities are exaggerated and the situations in which they find themselves
are intensified. They have no past and we are given little indication what
the future might be. For the Absurdist playwrights, character is a vehicle
for expressing their thoughts on the human condition. Beckett's characters
show a mutual dependency while Ionesco's characters are described as
'social puppets'. The characters are often presented in pairs or groups
based on the double acts of Vaudeville or music hall comedians.
In Waiting for Godot, for example, the two main characters, Vladimir and
Estragon are tramps who spend their days reliving the past trying to make
sense of their existence and even contemplate suicide as a form of
escape. They are typical absurdist figures who remain detached from the
audience. They essentially lack identities and their Vaudeville mannerisms
have more of a comic effect on the audience than a tragic one. This is
observed when they contemplate hanging themselves in a discussion as
to who should go first. Vladimir suggests that Estragon go first as he is
lighter and therefore won't break the bough.
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8 DRAMATIC ARTS (Memo) (SEPTEMBER 2012)
Absurdist characters often appear in pairs, as stated earlier representing a
unity or aspects of the same person and therefore mirror images of one
another. The tramps in Waiting for Godot rely on each other for comfort,
support and most of all for meaning. They need each other to avoid living
lonely and meaningless lives. They feel compelled to leave each other but
at the same time compelled to stay together. They consider parting but
never do and their inability to leave is another indication of the uncertainty
and frustration they feel as they wait for an explanation for their existence.
As an audience, we can only watch them do the same things, listen to
them saying the same things and accept the fact that Godot may or may
not arrive. Much like them we are stuck in a world where our actions
dictate our survival. Another major idea was that humans are not adept at
communication and deliberately create conflict with each other through
their dialogue in order to give meaning to a meaningless world. Language
then acts as a barrier to communication, which in turn isolates the
individual even more, thus making speech almost futile. Beckett questions
the value of language believing that it has lost its ability to communicate.
Ionesco shows that attempts at communications often „disintegrate' from
clichés to meaningless syllables. In keeping with the Existentialist idea
that people feel isolated in a hostile world.
Absurdist playwrights often focus on the inability of language to bridge the
gap between the characters. Language is depersonalizing, automatic and
meaningless. Communication between characters maybe sparse or
characters may talk at cross purposes without really influencing each
other. Language then serves the function of presenting the unexpected,
the bizarre and the absurd.
The following are examples of how language can be used in Absurdist
plays:
• Silence is as great a means of communication as the spoken word, for
example in Waiting for Godot there are long pauses and silences in
which nothing happens.
• There are meaningless conversations and 'habitual' superficial
comments in which characters often engage. Language is seen as
merely an escape from the tedium of life or because the silence
becomes unbearable.
• New words are created to show how people's attempts to communicate
with one another. The attempt is doomed to fail.
• Banal daily conversations are mixed with literary language, puns,
clichés, slang and repetitions are interspersed with poetic language. All
are used to pass the time.
• A repetitious style of dialogue is used to emphasise the cyclic nature of
life.
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(SEPTEMBER 2012) DRAMATIC ARTS (Memo) 9
Dramatic action:
• Traditional dramatic action is non-existent.
• The plots of Absurdist plays do not adhere to the traditional structure and
form.
• The drama does not deal with a rounded story or consist of a proper
beginning, middle and end.
• The action is deliberately non-dramatic. It is not logical and linear but
circular and repetitious to show that life without meaning cannot have a
focus or move directly towards some objective.
• Absurd drama is not concerned with the representation of events, the
telling of a story, or the depiction of a character as much as the
presentation of individuals within a situation.
• The superficial action is nothing more than a cover-up for stagnation.
• The conflict is mostly internal and plays itself out as a futile battle against
time and eternity.
• The plays of the Absurd are usually without a story line or plot which
helps to stress the idea that humans are essentially victims of a
meaningless existence in which time and development have no real
significance or value.
Themes common to Aburdist plays:
• They reveal the experience of temporality and evanescence (time).
• They reveal the sense of the tragic difficulty of becoming aware of one's
own self in the merciless process of renovation and destruction that
occurs with the change of time (time).
• They reveal the difficulty of communication between human beings
(language).
• They reveal the unending quest for reality in a world in which everything
is uncertain and the borderline between dream and waking is ever
shifting.
• The tragic nature of all love relationships and the self-deception of
friendship.
• Man's terror in the face of the total meaninglessness, total
shapelessness of the universe and all the events of which it is
composed.
• Man is alone, lost in a world in which God has deserted him.
• Science and reason are illusory.
• Nature has reaped its revenge.
• The only certainty is death, and that is but the final act of absurdity.
• Communication is no longer possible.
Waiting for Godot
In Waiting for Godot, Beckett depicts the world as a cold, passionless,
silent and indifferent place of uncertainty. Within the context of the play he
relates these ideas to life where the general mindset is that eventually all
things must come to an end.
The idea of death in the play is presented in a somewhat paradoxical
manner: on the one hand, death is man's ultimate enemy, an end to
everything; on the other hand it is his only release or means of escape
from this hostile universe.
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10 DRAMATIC ARTS (Memo) (SEPTEMBER 2012)
The absurdity of death is emphasised even further towards the end of Act
1 when Vladimir and Estragon contemplate suicide at the mere thought of
having nothing better to do with them. The central message is introduced
very early in the play by Estragon's words: 'Nothing to be done.'
This implies that instead of living for today, man is constantly concerned
with what will happen tomorrow, and thus it is not surprising that he
wishes his life away.
The concept of hope appears in the fact that the two main characters who,
though afraid and uncertain of their situation, are prepared to wait for
someone to bring meaning and sense of purpose to their lives. What the
characters await is a sign indicating that they have been relieved from
death and that there will indeed be a tomorrow.
Due to their loss of memory, the characters are unable to converse about
the past. Furthermore, their attempts to cope with their situation result in
the use of language and logic that is mechanical and senseless. Despite
much talking, we discover that by the end of the play, they have actually
said very little. The moments of silence in conjunction with utterances
which have been reduced from entire sentences to single, monosyllabic
words and exclamations, signify the absence rather than the presence of
nature and culture.
The fact that both Vladimir and Estragon suffer from physical and mental
ailments are an indication of the failure of the human body to function
properly.
The sad reality that they experience difficulty in remembering anything,
and in identifying their surroundings, makes the body appear as an
unreliable machine.
The theme of capitalism, which emerges by means of undertones and
implied statements, enhances the idea that worldly effects serve only to
alienate man even more from the fundamental nature of his existence.
The passing of time becomes obvious as the characters wait in
anticipation upon Godot's arrival. The fact that they wait in vain, however,
inevitably makes life seem as meaningless as death itself. Time holds the
characters prisoner of their situation where, although it seems as if they
are moving forward in time, they are, in truth, moving backwards towards
death. Signs of the passing of time are the tree which has grown a few
leaves by the second act and the physical changes in Pozzo; who has
become blind, and Lucky, who has become dumb. All of this reinforces the
endlessness of waiting. The torment and quality of waiting experienced by
the characters as well as the audience, together with the constant
repetition of events, is what makes time seem timeless.
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(SEPTEMBER 2012) DRAMATIC ARTS (Memo) 11
The Bald Soprano by Eugene Ionesco
The Bald Soprano is a 'language of tragedy' dealing with gradual loss of
its communicative function into inane phrases and meaningless clichés.
Towards the end of the play the dialogue breaks into a series of non-
sequiturs, suggesting that rational discourse has become impossible, that
relevant thought cannot be sustained beyond a single sentence or two.
The Martins and Smiths simply cascade through unrelated and inane
phrase-book clichés before breaking into a sort of syllabic babble. Words
degenerate into mere objects, thrown about like pies in a comic free-for-
all.
Ionesco stresses both the loss of a personal identity and social and
familial estrangement. His characters are alienated, not because they are
sensitive beings in a hostile or impersonal world, but because they have
no individuality at all. They are too similar to have personal identities; it
therefore hardly matters whether, like the Smiths, they have no first
names. Their alienation has everything to do with a total lack of personal
identity, which even their language inhibits from establishing. They have
simply been rendered incapable of incisive, individual thought.
The characters are anti-characters. The Smiths and Martins are entirely
lacking distinct or consistent personalities; they are indistinguishable,
virtually interchangeable and essentially characterless. They speak alike,
often echoing each other's phrases, as evidenced in the dialogue between
the Martins. They are unable to begin and sustain meaningful discourse,
for they are defined by the clichés of their class, from which they cannot
depart and which they never transcend. They are anti-heroes not because
they are physically disabled or have weak minds or experience
extraordinary bad luck, but because they have no minds at all. None of
them serves as a protagonist or main character in any traditional sense.
At the opening of The Bald Soprano, Ionesco stresses the typicality of his
characters in his repeated insistence that they and their surroundings are
"English". The first characters encountered are named "Smith", a very
common English name, also suggesting the couple's conventional nature.
These are figures that have no discrete sense of self. The only hints of
different identity are drawn along sexual and class lines and even these
are deliberately blurred. While Mrs. Smith is responsible for homemaking
duties, she hints about Mr. Smith's inadequacies as a male, while, he, in
turn, complains about women behaving like men. Throughout the play the
characters' anxieties seem to centre on threats and not on their
individuality but only to their roles as determined by gender and class.
Even a reliable identity based on gender is undermined in The Bald
Soprano.
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12 DRAMATIC ARTS (Memo) (SEPTEMBER 2012)
Role distinctions erode in the course of the play. Early on, Mr Smith
accuses his wife of asking stupid questions, indicating his belief that his
mind is superior to hers and that her powers of reasoning are severely
limited because she is a woman, an irrational "romantic". However, during
the Fire Chief's visit Mr Smith grants that his wife is more intelligent than
he is, and even "much more feminine", suggesting that there is a feminine
side to his character and behaviour. Mrs Smith says as much when she
complains about men who use rouge on their lips and sit around all day
and drink.
She also suggests that Mr Smith lacks the "salt" of the evening's soup, an
oblique slur on her husband's deficient masculinity. Further, she is the
more sexually aggressive of the two. She flirts with both the Fire Chief and
Mr Martin, suggesting her need to establish a sexual identity denied her
by her emasculated husband.
The Smiths and Martins have a class-consciousness challenged by Mary,
the Smiths' maid. Mary presents a threat to them because she is will full
and disrespectful, and does not seem to know her place. The couples
grow bad-tempered and self-righteous when, during the Fire Chief's visit,
Mary requests that she be allowed to tell a story. They find her request
presumptuous and inappropriate, and though Mary manages to recite her
poem in honour of the Chief, she is forced offstage in the process.
Absurdist themes are pervasive in The Bald Soprano. Chief among them
in Ionesco's play is the concept of the tendency of order to decay into
chaos (entropy). This collapse is reflected in the speech of the characters,
which, in the course of the play, becomes increasingly dysfunctional,
resulting in the total breakdown of language as a viable tool of human
communication.
Chaos is also conveyed by the characterisation, or, more accurately, the
lack of it. Humankind is reduced to the Smiths and Martins, who, at times,
behave very much like some of those dolls that issue random expressions
when their recordings are activated. The Smiths and Martins are soulless
and hollow remnants of characters reduced to exhibiting only a sort of
anxiety about their missing or confused identities.
The remarks of the characters are often inappropriate, contradictory, or
completely devoid of meaning, especially towards the end, when, as
language decays into word fragments, the Martins and Smiths become
almost manic in their anger. What they reveal is one of the most important
absurdist themes: the modern inability of humans to relate to each other in
either an authentic or honest fashion. (20)
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(SEPTEMBER 2012) DRAMATIC ARTS (Memo) 13
2.2 2.2.1 Comic cross-talk are one liners that the characters say to each
other, sometimes funny sometimes bearing no relation to what
was said previously. Like the cross-talk of music hall comedians (2)
2.2.2 Non-narrative lacks characters and plot in the conventional
sense. Play has a timelessness and a placelessness. One mark
where a character says: „It does not have a proper storyline‟. (2)
2.2.3 Non-sequiter is a statement and conclusion that does not follow
logically from what has already been said. (2)
2.2.4 Arbitrary is a decision or action seemingly not based on any
principle or plan and which therefore may seem unfair, irrational
or illogical. (2)
2.2.5 Tragi-comedy has serious topics dealt with in a humorous
manner. Often ordinary people and characters. (2)
[30]
TOTAL SECTION A: 30
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14 DRAMATIC ARTS (Memo) (SEPTEMBER 2012)
SECTION B UNDERSTAND AND ANALYSE
Answer only TWO questions from this section.
QUESTION 3 BOESMAN AND LENA – ATHOL FUGARD
Read the extract from Boesman and Lena below and answer the questions that
follow:
3.1 He is saying these words in anger. He is physically tired of rebuilding
every time the Whiteman bulldozes his shack. He is tired of always being
on the move. Although he says these words he does not really mean
them. His dialogue is full of irony and sarcasm. He realizes how
meaningless their lives are to the white men who have no qualms about
burning their shacks without thinking about where they will go to or about
their meagre possessions. They (white men) feel justified in saying it is full
of disease thus giving them an excuse to burn it. Boesman and Lena and
thousands of others do not matter in the grand scheme of things. He has
to witness time and again the destruction of all that he possesses and
holds dear – his stories and his memories. He is not happy about the way
they are forced to live but being poor and unemployed and with no hope
of a better life, he has no choice. Boesman is frustrated at the white man‟s
lack of sympathy or sensitivity. He says 'dankie baas', but he is full of
irony and bitterness. That is why he laughs as well. It was as if the white
man was destroying a part of their lives as well as their memories, their
history, their identity. Boesman considers himself as trash discarded by
the white man. (5)
3.2 An old faded shirt, grey or black shapeless trousers – could be torn in
places or may have patchwork – it must be old and well-worn to suggest
poverty. Maybe an old faded sports jacket, a cap and no shoes. The focus
is on poverty and dirt. They are always on the move and there is no time
to bathe or change. In addition much of their meagre possessions have
been burnt or destroyed when their pondoks were burnt. Focus of
costume is to accentuate poverty so any costume that a man might wear
to do this is acceptable. (4)
3.3 That she is Lena and that her life does have meaning. She has developed
as a person and asserts herself. She finally reclaims her life from
Boesman and is now his equal and no longer submissive. Her sense of
self is strengthened. She also realises that Boesman needs her as much
as she needs him and that he is as vulnerable as she is. Candidates
should support answer with examples from text. (4)
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(SEPTEMBER 2012) DRAMATIC ARTS (Memo) 15
3.4 POSSIBLE ANSWER:
The play explores the relationship between Boesman and Lena, the need
for human companionship, compassion and hope. We as the audience or
readers have empathy/ sympathy for a character like Lena who
unfortunately does represent thousands of abused women caught in the
cycle of poverty and neglect. Lena has been with Boesman for many
years and has borne the brunt of his anger many times. Boesman is a
man, but he has been emasculated by society thus he vents his frustration
out on Lena, Outa and the dog. He has been abusive to Lena in many
ways, He beats her regularly with his fists, he abuses her verbally,
taunting her and making her doubt herself for example, he makes her
believe that she broke three bottles that they were going to sell at an
exchange when he, in fact broke them. Lena is covered in bruises from all
the beating that she received from Boesman but she still stays with him.
What other alternative does she have? This is the only life she knows –
she knows no better. She talks about leaving him several times but
doesn't, because for her the unknown is scarier than the known. More
important Boesman is the only link to her past. Boesman cannot vent his
anger on the whites who were destroying his pondoks so he takes it out
on Lena, someone he can control and whom he has power over.
He neglects her and refuses to talk to her and tells her several times that
he wishes that she would leave him, But he still needs her in a twisted sort
of way. She is always there with him and he expects her to be there. He
can take his frustrations out on her – be his 'punching bag.' But in a sick
sort of way they both depended on each other for companionship, security
and an affirmation that they are human and alive, rather than being alone.
Boesman also reacts violently to the dog and Outa. But then so does
Lena at the end. Can this violence be justified by the treatment and
experiences they've had due to the poverty, violence and discrimination
they have suffered at the hands of the white man? (9)
3.5 Subjective answer required. Candidates must support their answers
by giving concrete examples.
Candidates must give reasons why it is a good choice of text and relevant
to present issues in South Africa.
Candidates could refer to the homelessness and poverty highlighted in the
text comparing it to the poverty and lack of housing and service delivery
protests in many parts of the country, especially rural and underdeveloped
areas. Markers need to be aware of topical issues in the press concerning
the World Cup, money spent and spin offs from the world cup.
Tenders being awarded to people with no experience in construction
resulting in poorly constructed homes, the demolition/removal of squatter
settlements to make way for stadia, accommodation, etc. (8)
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16 DRAMATIC ARTS (Memo) (SEPTEMBER 2012)
QUESTION 4 WOZA ALBERT! – PERCY MTWA, MBONGENI NGEMA
AND BARNEY SIMON
POSSIBLE ANSWER
4.1 The final scene of the play, paralleling the Resurrection of Jesus after
three days; Zuluboy is now working in the cemetery in which Morena was
buried, he is hiding from the police, for the first time we have an actor
playing Morena, he is mistaken for a tramp, in fact he is looking for people
to raise from the dead, like he did with Lazarus; however the people he
raises from the dead are all former freedom fighters: Albert Luthuli, the
first president of the ANC and organiser of the Defiance Campaign;
Robert Sobukwe, one of the founders of the PAC, a leader of the anti-
pass laws protests, Bram Fischer, the defence lawyer at the Treason Trial
and the Rivonia Trial, Lilian Ngoyi, president of the ANC Women‟s
League; Steve Biko, the president of SASO and the driving force behind
the Black Consciousness movement in this country; Ruth First, acting
secretary of the Communist Party and a leading member of the AN. These
people were the source of ongoing inspiration for the liberation struggle.
The play ends with a message of hope – that apartheid will be overcome,
that South Africa will be free from oppression. (10)
4.2 Protest theatre, Poor theatre or Workshop theatre was to inform and
enlighten the people about oppression and racial discrimination and to
protest against inequality and injustice. It attempted to spur the audience
on to take positive action to affect change. (4)
4.3 A work shopped play is a play created by a group of people who
experiment and improvise around a basic idea/intention, carrying out
research and observation, selecting and then finally recording. It is
episodic, uses simple or stereotyped characters, often music or song is
used as a linking device. (Accept any 3) (6)
4.4 Actors have to be vocally strong as the performance/production requires
actors to use verbal dynamics. Actors have to be physically strong and
versatile as the performance will require them to transform from one
character to the other. There are only two actors to play a variety of
characters in 26 scenes The play is physical so the actors will have to be
very agile and flexible to meet the fast paced action of the play.
Creative, energetic, hard working as the production will be very
demanding in terms of the structure (changing of scenes happens rapidly)
Actors would have to be multi-skilled – must be able to sing, dance and
act.
(Markers to accept other answers with valid reasons relevant to the play) (6)
4.5 A subjective answer is required and markers to use their own discretion.
Accept well supported points. (4)
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(SEPTEMBER 2012) DRAMATIC ARTS (Memo) 17
QUESTION 5 SOPHIATOWN – THE JUNCTION AVENUE THEATRE
COMPANY
5.1 Sophiatown is a documentary drama and a valuable part of South African
history.
5.1.1 It documents a valuable and vibrant part of South African history
which would otherwise been lost because the government
wanted to wipe it out completely. They saw it as a blot on their
vision of separate development, because it was a place where
different race groups lived together in peace and harmony
against the government's apartheid policy.
The play records the life of ordinary people in Sophiatown, their
struggle to survive, their determination and will to survive against
all odds, their never ending battles with the apartheid
government. The play gives us insight into the how people coped
despite the restrictions imposed upon them and the oppression
that they faced constantly. The culture, music, traditions of
Sophiatown which had an impact on so many prominent Black
people in South Africa would have been forgotten had it not been
recorded.
(4 points discussed in detail or 2 points briefly discussed). (4)
5.1.2 MARKS 6.1.2 DESCRIPTOR
7–8 Very good Candidate demonstrates an excellent
understanding of the theatrical
techniques used in the process and
product that allow Sophiatown to be
described as a documentary drama.
She/he answers clearly using references
and motivation from the play.
5–6 Good Candidate refers to the description of
how the play Sophiatown, uses theatrical
techniques that allow Sophiatown to be
described as a documentary drama.
Candidates can explain the research
process and collation of material that
leads to the final recording process.
3–4 Average Candidate explains briefly what theatrical
devices are but no attempt to link to the
process and product.
0–2 Weak Candidate tends to make generalised
statements about theatrical techniques.
Little or no mention of the process and
product that allow Sophiatown to be
described as a documentary drama. (8)
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18 DRAMATIC ARTS (Memo) (SEPTEMBER 2012)
5.2 POSSIBLE ANSWER:
5.2.1 Lulu represents the thousands of school children who were
disillusioned with Bantu education which did not prepare them for
life. She highlights the theme of education through her various
discussions with her mother and Fafhee and the other
characters. Princess on the other hand represents the many
women in the townships who had nothing else but their looks
and ambitions to get ahead. They put up with the abuse of their
boyfriends just as long as they lived better lives (many of them
were from the slums). Princess eventually gets away from her
miserable life. (4)
5.2.2 One of the major contributors to Sophiatown culture was the
cinema.
Behaviour, language and dress patterns all owed a debt to the
hit movies of the time. This is more evident through Mingus'
character, who dresses as the actors of the gangster movies of
the 1950's such as Clark Gable. He even goes to the extent of
calling himself, Clark Mingus Gable. The rhythm and melodrama
of the movie-language enriched the tsotsi taal used during the
era and is incorporated in the pay. The graffiti on the walls of
Sophiatown was borrowed from the film, 'we won't move' and '
he who destroys Sophiatown shall himself be destroyed'.
The Bohemians, in the play hoped that power sharing and black
man's rightful place will be instituted in the near future; this was
drawn from the film (The Bronze Venus) and coincided with the
rise of the civil rights movement in America.
Music played an important factor in the play in terms of driving
the plot forward.
Characters fluently move from their dialogue into the traditional a
capella which aroused emotions of grief and joy depending on
the situation. Clearly the music of Sophiatown also reflected the
American styles such as jazz, swing and blues. Our very own
musical icons such as Hugh Masikela, Dollar Brand, Dolly
Rathebe, Miriam Makeba etc. incorporated these styles into their
own music causing them to become household names here and
abroad. Jazz clubs became popular and were frequented by
many people across the colour line.
(Accept other relevant information and examples from the play.) (4)
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(SEPTEMBER 2012) DRAMATIC ARTS (Memo) 19
5.3 This is only a possible answer for example; Musical Theatre.
The play is presented in a simple musical manner. The exposition through
Jakes monologue highlights the various streets, gangs and the famous
people of Sophiatown, setting the mood of the play. We are then
introduced to the cast of the play, living (and events taking place) at
Mamariti's vibrant and chaotic household. The set is simple and easy to
assemble and disassemble as shown at the end of the play when the
characters gather all the belongings and take down the set piece by piece
symbolising the breaking down of their houses and their hope. Character
sketches are revealed in an interesting manner.(Mingus 'Easy man-check
the labels! only genuine English or American imports. you tell her I'm a
best dresser in town .... I'm a smart guy-no messing around'). He
represents the gangsters. He is a loud, bold, charismatic individual whom
the audience love to hate. The other characters in the play represent
ordinary people of Sophiatown who were easily recognisable such as
Mamariti, the shebeen queen. She adds colour and humour to the play
while at the same time reflecting the difficulties faced by many women
during this period who were forced into this business in order to support
their families. During the forced removals her character highlights the pain
and suffering experienced by people who had to leave family, friends,
neighbours and belongings behind and move to a completely new
environment. The audience feels her emotions and pain and thus
empathise with her situation. Jakes represents the intellectuals who were
stifled during this time because of a lack of opportunities. Despite the
play's serious subject matter, forced removals, the creators of the play use
music, song, dance and humour in the dialogue to avoid creating a sad
show. The characters slip with a seamless fluency from dialogue into
traditional acapella, swing, jive and jazz. The effect is a spontaneous
eruption of joy or grief and speaks to the audience directly. Tsotsitaal adds
street flavour and appeal. The above factors assist in highlighting the
theme of forced removals showing us the heartbreak and suffering
endured by the people of Sophiatown. (10)
0-2 Marks 3-5 Marks 6-7 Marks 8-10 Marks
Not Achieved Moderate Adequate Outstanding
Candidate Candidate Candidate Clear
clearly does not understands the understands understanding of
understand play; relevance of Sophiatown, and Sophiatown, with
overall answer is Sophiatown. the relevance, clear motivation
weak with little Motivation weak. with adequate of the relevance.
or no motivation. motivation.
Marking Rubric to be used for the answers like in the example above. [30]
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20 DRAMATIC ARTS (Memo) (SEPTEMBER 2012)
QUESTION 6 NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH – JOHN KANI
POSSIBLE ANSWER:
6.1 Mandisa's arrival causes Thando to re-evaluate her life. She is challenged
by the contrast between her and Mandisa. Mandisa is independent,
forthright, is not afraid to speak her mind, she does not understand much
of the traditions and customs that Thando adheres to. For example
Thando would not blatantly challenge Sipho, but Mandisa challenges his
authority. Thando has been a dutiful and considerate daughter but these
qualities are now being tested. Mandisa who has grown up in London
does not understand how Thando could obey her father's word without
question. Thando has been conflicted in herself since Mandisa's arrival,
because Mandisa offers an outside perspective of things. Thando starts to
assert herself more as an independent adult as seen in lines 14 to 16.
Award four marks if two points are well discussed or 4 points are briefly
discussed (4)
6.2 Marker uses own discretion how cremation is seen in South African
indigenous cultures. Sipho had arranged with the undertaker to be
present when his brother's body arrived from London. In addition he
wanted to see his brother one more time before he laid him to rest. He is
denied this and is therefore understandably shocked and distressed to
learn that his brother has already been cremated –something foreign to
his culture. In terms of the structure of the play Sipho‟s reaction can be
seen as comic relief. (6)
6.3 Stanislavski's method of acting would be the most suitable for an actor
preparing for this role. Where a candidate only refers to Stanislavsky‟s
technique award a maximum of 6 marks out of 8. To get full marks a
candidate must include information on character.
Main points of Stanislavski's system:
1. The magic 'if'.
• The actor knows that the play and the setting are manufactured by the
playwright, but he asks himself: 'How would I behave if they were
real?'
• Asking this question helps him transform the imaginary world of the play
into a real one.
2. To help with achieving the magic 'if', an actor needs a vivid
imagination.
• He should ask himself given circumstances and character questions
about the part he is playing. In performance he/she should understand
the motivation of what he says and does.
3. The actor must concentrate his attention on what is happening on the
stage and not be distracted by the 'black hole' of the auditorium where
the audience is seated.
4. It is essential to relax muscular tensions, particularly in moments of
strong dramatic emotion.
5. Small physical actions on the stage are important. The actor must
believe in them and try to do them as consciously as possible, i.e.
actions on stage must have a motivation/reason.
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(SEPTEMBER 2012) DRAMATIC ARTS (Memo) 21
6. To bring truth and conviction to his portrayal of a character, an actor
should draw on his emotional memory (the store of emotional
experiences lying dormant in his subconscious mind). Good
communication between performers on stage is achieved by activating
the senses, particularly by listening attentively and looking directly and
consciously at the other characters.
8. An actor must use his intellect and emotional perspective to
understand the text of the play.
• He must have the will and determination to develop the character
consistently.
• He must also have enough feeling for the part to make it convincing and
truthful on stage. This is achieved by knowing the subtext of a
character‟s dialogue.
9. An actor does not identify with his part completely.
• He 'lives, weeps and laughs on the stage, and while weeping and
laughing he observes his own laughter and tears.'
10 'Love art in yourself, not yourself in art.'
Candidate may use some or all of the above points when answering the
question on preparing for the role of Mandisa or Sipho. I would use
Stanislavski's process for creating the character, Mandisa/Sipho. Firstly I
would study the text in detail referring to the overall objective of the text
and then break it up into scenes, each with its own objective. Mandisa,
although she is clearly the younger of the two, is much more outspoken
than Thando, less sensitive to nuances in interaction, more independent.
Although she is family, and proud of her heritage as the daughter of a
hero of the Struggle, she is clearly an outsider, a product of English
cultural values, beliefs and practices. She has no real knowledge of the
local community, its customs and values. Her knowledge of South African
political issues is based on what she has learned from her father, from
visiting exiles, and the British media. The next step is internalisation
where tools such as 'emotional memory' (remembering a similar time in
one's own life to access the emotions needed) and 'the magic if' (asking
oneself 'How would I feel if I was in this position?') are used to create the
internal feelings necessary for truthful emotions. I have never been in
Mandisa's position so I would use the 'magic if' and ask myself how I
would feel if I was confronted with information about my deceased father
that is causing the great emotional pain.
The final step is physicalisation. The character needs to come alive on
stage with detailed and small accurate actions. To do this I would convey
Mandisa's boldness and sense of fun and strength through slight gestures
and mannerisms. (10)
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22 DRAMATIC ARTS (Memo) (SEPTEMBER 2012)
6.4 Markers to look at the answer holistically.
If a candidate only tells the story a maximum of 5 marks should be
awarded. The play deals with the importance of the past in defining the
present. Memories of childhood, tertiary education, the Struggle and
family life are woven into the action. The action develops through the
gradual revelations of the hidden details of the relationship between Sipho
and his deceased brother. The play develops around complex family
relationships which are made so by secrets, jealousy, separation, loss and
love. Sibling rivalry is closely linked the act of taking. The play is
structured around the succession of stories in which Sipho identifies what
has been taken from him by his brother, Themba in many instances
prompting the sibling rivalry. Themba has taken his blazer and this
establishes that he feels that this incident encapsulates the way in which
Themba has dominated his parents' affections and attentions. The latter
was also taken from him. When Thando informs him that she is going to
Johannesburg and that she will let him know about London, Sipho
recognises 'taking' as the pattern of his life. He sees it as the culmination
of all the ways in which Themba has appropriated what he, Sipho, has
valued and cherished. He feels cheated at his father's funeral and the last
time that he saw his son, Luvuyo, because in both instances Themba's
status as a 'Comrade' overshadows him – the responsible, caring elder
son who lacked the charisma of the younger brother. Sipho launches into
a tirade about Themba's reputation as a political activist. Sipho also
reveals the complex set of relations between him, his father, his son and
Themba. Sipho has supported Themba all his life and Themba has repaid
him by having an affair with his wife. It is natural therefore for Sipho to feel
resentment and anger towards Themba In facing and speaking the truth,
Sipho is able to purge his demons and be free to move on. When Sipho's
experience of personal betrayal, his decreasing self-worth, his dignity is
shared, it is acknowledged and helps him come to terms with it. He no
longer feels burdened by it because he has shared it with the girls. He
finally forgives Sipho because the truth has set him free. It has made him
realise the mistakes of the past and will establish the foundations for the
future of the family, one that is free from the emotional baggage of the
past. Confronting and dealing with the past is central to the process of
healing so that he can now move into the future. (10)
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(SEPTEMBER 2012) DRAMATIC ARTS (Memo) 23
QUESTION 7 SIENER IN DIE SURBURBS – PG DU PLESSIS
7.1 POSSIBLE ANSWERS
7.1.1 Fé speaks about Tjokkie‟s talent to see in the future by means of
visions. He was born under the “helm”. Fé thinks that Tiemie has
requested Tjokkie to “see” to help her; Fé wants to know when
this will be happening. (2)
7.1.2 (a) Giel
Giel has financial problems because he bets on the
horses. As a result of his financial problems the Jew,
Stroud, wants to reclaim the machine that he uses for
the printing of his art. (Giel is unable to pay Stroud).
Because Giel wants money, he wants to place a bet on
the following day‟s “July”. He wants Tjokkie to “see”
which horse is going to win, as this would solve his
financial problems. (4)
(b) Jake
Tiemie is apparently expecting Giel‟s child. But because
Jakes is eager to have a ”laaitie” as well as a mother
that is from a better class as his own “tang”, he
deliberately attempted to get Tiemie pregnant. He needs
proof of his manhood, which was damaged during his
relationship with Sybil. Jakes wants Tjokkie to “see”
whether Tiemie is actually pregnant, this would affirm his
manliness and help him to escape his class -“tang-
wees”. (4)
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24 DRAMATIC ARTS (Memo) (SEPTEMBER 2012)
7.1.3 3 marks for the discussion of the statement
Irony is the use of words that states the opposite from what is
meant. Tjokkie‟s declaration that he is expected to “see” their
problems away is ambiguous. “Regsien” means to solve, but
Tjokkie‟s vision upsets everything into a worse situation than it
has been before his “see”‟. This intensifies the characters
problems instead of resolving them. “Regsien” also implies
correct or clear vision. The play however presents us with
uncertainty on whether Tjokkie did in fact “see” everything that
he claimed as he related it to them, and whether he (according to
Fe‟s suggestion) lied to protect jakes against Tiemie.
5 marks for the action that follows on Tjokkie’s vision in
relation to Tiemie.
Tjokkie‟s vision has strong negative implications for Tiemie.
Before the vision she suspected that she was pregnant with
Jakes‟s child. In Tjokkie‟s vision he sees a young man that plants
a seed without any success, and an older man whose seed is
growing in a well-kept flowerbed. This cause Jake to be highly
suspicious and jealous because se vision insinuates that
Tiemie‟s pregnancy has been caused by someone other than
himself. Tiemie denies this by claiming that Tjokkie-lied in his
vision. When the mottled-horse wins the race as has been
predicted in Tjokkie‟s vision, Jakes accepts that as confirmation
that Tjokkie‟s vision is authentic and the truth. Jake subsequently
accuses Tiemie of promiscuity and infidelity with a “Dandy”. He
sees Tiemie in the same light as Sybil and becomes physically
threatening. Although Tiemie tries to convince him that it was
Tjokkie that lied and that she has never been unfaithful to him,
he doesn‟t believe her. When Jakes‟s less than pure motives is
revealed, (that he intentionally tried to get her pregnant) Tiemie
chases Jakes away. She reproaches him for wanting to tie her to
this nest ... like a pig sow. Her emotions turns into hysteria and
insults when she finally chases him away and storms back into
the house. Jakes follows her storming into the house and
assaults her. The audience hears Tiemie scream and a loud
noise before it turns quiet. This leads to her death - apparently
she is murdered by Jakes.
Tjokkie‟s words “Elke keer as hulle iets verbrou, moet ek dit
regsien" is ironic because Tiemie‟s problem (possible pregnancy)
is not solved by his vision but is instrumental in causing her
being assaulted and her apparent death. (8)
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(SEPTEMBER 2012) DRAMATIC ARTS (Memo) 25
7.2 A scapegoat is someone that is innocent, but caries the blame of others
wrongdoing. Tjokkie is the only Character that with definite moral values.
He lives strictly according to the principles of decency. He is an “innocent”
character in the play. It is appropriate that he is to be the one with
supernatural gifts on which the others are building their hopes to escape
the disgusting situation they are finding themselves trapped in.
Tjokkie sees his gift to “see” as a holy calling, a beautiful thing but also as
a talent that cause problems. People are abusing his talent as they wish,
and for him it brings nothing else but pain. When in the second act Tjokkie
is forced by Jakes and Giel to “see”, his vision causes dramatic tension
and conflict. The chaos that ensues with Jakes‟s unreasonable,
aggressive jealousy, Tiemie‟s loathsome disillusionment and Ma‟s
isolation into loneliness, all the result of Tjokkie‟s vision.
Tjokkie takes the part of the innocent scapegoat that has to carry
everybody‟s blame and has to carry the pain on behalf of others. Before
the vision he is physically tortured, afterwards he carries the pain of his
conscience. He wanders around, after the vision, in a confused state, “Ek
het alls bewetter” - I have mucked up everything and up to his suicide
refraining - It‟s my fault, I have mucked up everything and “Ek maak net
almal seer” –I am just hurting everybody. He takes the other‟s pain on
himself.
Initially he was seen as the saviour figure – someone that can save them
out of their desperate situations. But he comes to understand that his
“verbrande talent” damn talent through the abuse has just cause misery.
Therefore he takes the part as scapegoat, and is no saviour anymore but
burdened with blame. Symbolically at the end he becomes the sacrificial
lamb on behalf of the others. (4)
7.3 7.3.1 Jakes' motorbike
In the stage and theatre space the sound of the motorbike is loud
and is an auditive announcement of Jakes‟s arrival and
departure. It indicates his virility and manliness. The loud roaring
sounds of the motorbike are appropriate to the physical pain and
aggression that is committed at the end of the play. In the final
scene the sound of the motorbike together with the hissing of the
hydraulic jack builds up to a crescendo to enforce the emotional
impact of the play. (4)
7.3.2 The radio broadcast of the horse race
The radio-broadcasting serves as catalyst for the final actions
and reactions. It becomes a strong dramatic element that
quickens the tension in the complication of the play. During the
broadcast all action comes to a standstill and the characters are
listening with intense attention and thus involve the audience into
the tension about the results of the race. After the broadcast
there is a short silence that elevates the tension followed by the
outburst of heavy emotions. (4)
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26 DRAMATIC ARTS (Memo) (SEPTEMBER 2012)
QUESTION 8 MIS – REZA DE WET
POSIBLE ANSWERS
8.1 He is convincing, seductive and manipulative. He uses his blindness and
the fact that he is a stranger, to fool around with Meisie‟s emotions and to
make her feel comfortable to speak to him about forbidden subjects. (4)
8.2 The stage directions present important information about the tempo and
volume of the characters dialogue and the appropriate emotions that is
conveyed by their dialogue. It assists in the establishment of the relevant
mood and characterisation. (4)
8.3 The name Meisie is almost without identity and simply an indication of
female gender. This is suitable for Meisie as subservient daughter. As
Margareta is Meisie an individual with courage to take her own decisions.
When Konstabel addresses her as Margareta she comes alive. She
becomes Margareta and is able to relate to him about the wonder of the
circus, and for the duration of her narration she is freed from Meisie that
lives under the dictatorship of her mother‟s strict Calvinism – that doesn‟t
allow for thinking or even just speaking about the circus. (5)
8.4 Meisie knows that she is not supposed to speak to Konstabel about the
visit to the circus, but she eagerly wants to and decides to do it. (2)
8.5 The theme of deliverance; In both Meisie and Gertie there is a deep
yearning to be saved from their morbid circumstances. In Meisie‟s
narration it is about the deliverance /release of the birds from the cage.
Meisie also temporarily set herself free in speaking to Konstabel about her
experience at the circus. (5)
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(SEPTEMBER 2012) DRAMATIC ARTS (Memo) 27
8.6 The characters of Miem and Gertie are keepers of a narrow-minded
Calvinistic culture. This culture has as starting point the oppression of
sexuality in contrast with the subconscious mind where sexuality is alive.
But within this oppression of all that may stimulate sexually or
subconsciously, we see that Miem and Gertie have a false morality. They
pretend to be something/someone else than who they really are.
Miem: She auctions her daughter shamelessly to Constable and tries to
'sell' Meisie to Constable by telling him how broad her hips are. The
subtext of this is that Meisie would be able to have children – something
that was very important to the old Afrikaner. If Miem was really so narrow-
minded, she would not 'sell' her daughter blatantly like this to a stranger –
instead she would have liked to see Meisie married according to
traditional conventions. She shamelessly tells the complete stranger that
she is feeling better after she took off her corset that was too tight and
therefore pinched her. Miem also doesn't hesitate to tell Constable of her
sexual needs. She openly admits to Constable, who she doesn't know
well at all, that the nocturnal presence of a man in the house 'wakes up
something' in her. Her husband has indeed moved to the loft long ago, his
absence increasing her yearning. This hypocrisy is also raised in her
questions to Gertie about the freaks at the circus. She pretends not to
want to know anything about the circus, but eagerly enquires about it,
under the pretext that she is only asking questions so that Meisie could
stop moaning about her appearance and so that she can learn gratitude.
She is using her daughter shamelessly to find out what she actually wants
to hear.
Gertie: Our first impression of her is that she is very conservative. But
later we learn by her behaviour that she is in reality an oppressed and
sexually frustrated woman. Her obsession with physical exercise, health
and fresh air is a façade she is hiding behind. When she is alone with
Constable, she has problems with self-control. She is enchanted by his
narration of his tant Hannie's undressing ritual at bedtime in his room. Her
sexually motivated fantasy play, in which she performs the movements of
Hannie suggestively, shows a near promiscuous person – the contrary of
our first impressions of her. She becomes so carried away that she
undresses partly and has to flee outside when Miem enters. Gertie
pretends to hate the circus, yet she goes to watch it. Her experiences of
the sensational human 'freaks' excite her. She also enjoys looking at the
horses and the partly clothed women, the clowns and the dwarf when she
crosses the road. But she will never admit this to Miem. Gertie also tries
openly to coax Constable into having a romantic interest in her. She tries
to the best of her ability to get the others out of the way so that she can be
alone with him. She sends Miem and Meisie to bed so that she can be
alone with Constable. And when Miesie and Constable are alone outside,
she calls them in under the pretence that she is worried that Meisie will
catch a cold.
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28 DRAMATIC ARTS (Memo) (SEPTEMBER 2012)
MARKS DESCRIPTOR
9–10 Excellent Answer is focused, candidate knows and
comprehends all attributes of the characters and
relates the characterisation and false morality/
Calvinistic hypocrisy. Answer is structured well.
In the discussion the candidate shows insight
and creativity, motivated by examples from the
script.
7–8 Good Candidate names all character attributes.
Answer shows some creativity and insight and
there is some mention of false
morality/Calvinistic hypocrisy. Candidate
displays a good understanding and examples
from the text to motivate.
5–6 Average Candidate discusses the basic qualities of the
characters, but the answer lacks information.
There is little insight into false
morality/Calvinistic hypocrisy. The most
important aspects are discussed, but the answer
lacks depth. Few examples from the script.
3–4 Elementary The basic character attributes are discussed,
but key ideas are lacking. The candidate shows
a lack of visualisation and creativity.
0–2 Weak Little or no attempt to answer the question.
Candidate does not understand the question. (10)
[30]
TOTAL SECTION B: 60
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(SEPTEMBER 2012) DRAMATIC ARTS (Memo) 29
SECTION C APPLY PERSONAL RESOURCES AND REFLECT AND
EVALUATE
SECTION C is COMPULSORY
QUESTION 9 VOICE
9.1 Use pitch, pace and pauses. Variation of the voice and clear tonal variety
and volume (6)
9.2 The marker uses own discretion. (4)
9.3 Any two breathing exercises could be accepted. (4)
9.4 It flows, but do not follow the high emotional impact and rhythm.
Jerky, sombre, repetitive, dull or depressing. (1)
[15]
QUESTION 10 MOVEMENT
10.1 We can extend the activity by shifting from one Lessac body
energy to another as you move and be sure to use the same body
energy as your partner.
Working with eyes closed helps with trusting your partner
Work together as a team and move slowly and only when you are
confident in each other you can move to the next step. (6)
10.2 The actor who is lifting is leading the movement (2)
10.3 Curved and circular movements create a feeling of gracefulness and
lyrical restfulness. Straight lines and angles give a feeling of power and
direction. (4)
10.4 Movement exists in space and time The body is contained by space and
movement changes the space which the body inhabits. Space is
influenced by the following elements: General space, levels, directions,
focus, the environment, etc. (3)
[15]
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30 DRAMATIC ARTS (Memo) (SEPTEMBER 2012)
Answer ONE of the following three questions; that is QUESTION 11 OR
QUESTION 12 OR QUESTION 13.
QUESTION 11 LIVE PERFORMANCE (CHOICE QUESTION)
11.1 POSSIBLE ANSWER:
11.1.1 Relationship
Creating relations is tremendously important even in
monologues or poems. Ensure that you know who or what your
character is and the feeling being captured by the performance.
Be specific, be spontaneous and be responsive. Acting is
reacting. (2)
11.1.2 Conflict
What is your character fighting for? Why do they carry on
speaking (in a monologue), and why do they stay in the scene?
Why are they telling this story? Who is interfering? (2)
11.1.3 Humour
Find the humour in what you are doing, this does not mean
simply being funny, it means finding the spark, even in the most
tragic moments. Even the darkest piece needs to have a flicker
of humour somewhere. (2)
11.1.4 Opposite
Character that is only one thing all the time is boring.
Inconsistency in people is what makes them fascinating the
opposite is probably also contained there. Dig to find it. You
have to express both to find the character truthfully. (2)
11.1.5 Place
Establish where you are and how you feel about it. This is
created as much through your attitude to the space around you
as it is through the choice of pieces or props. (2)
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(SEPTEMBER 2012) DRAMATIC ARTS (Memo) 31
11.2 Evaluate QUESTION 11.2 using the rubric below (5)
Mark 11.2 Description
5 EXCELLENT Candidate clearly understands and can relate to
the performance or own experience and
processes. Candidate is able to construct an
argument supporting the improvement and uses
concrete, specific examples of actors 'playing at
being' characters and the message conveyed to
the audience.
4 GOOD Candidate is able to connect to performance or
own experience and processes Candidate is
able to construct an argument supporting the
improvement and uses concrete, specific
examples of actors 'playing at being' characters
and the message is not always conveyed to the
audience.
3 AVARAGE Candidate must have examples of the
performance but is not always able to relate to
own experience and processes. Candidate is not
always able to construct an argument
supporting the improvement and do not use
concrete, specific examples of actors 'playing at
being' characters and the message is vaguely
conveyed to the audience.
2 FAIR Candidate manages to give some example/s of
improvements but rarely is able to relate this to
the processes. The message is not at all
conveyed to the audience
1 WEAK Candidate gives some basic descriptions of
character work, but lack ability to connect to
improvements, own experience and processes
at all. Generally makes statements that relate
very simply to one or more of the points.
[15]
OR
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32 DRAMATIC ARTS (Memo) (SEPTEMBER 2012)
QUESTION 12 MEDIA STUDIES (CHOICE QUESTION)
12.1 POSSIBLE ANSWER:
12.1.1 Director of photography
The person in charge of all the cameras is referred to as the
Director of photography (DP), as he/she sees to numerous
camera operators at the same time The DP is appointed for
his/her expertise and creativity but still needs to follow the
overall vision of the of the film Director. (3)
12.1.2 The Editor
Editing is the process of joining one shot to another in order to
create a specific sequence. Although the editor and director work
together very closely on the editing process, the editor brings the
technical skills into creative process. The raw footage can run
anything between 15 and 120 hours. The task of the editor is to
choose from the raw footage and bring it under the director‟s
tension. (3)
12.1.3 Director
The director is responsible for the overall vision for the film and
carries the final responsibility for the product. The director bases
his film on anything, from the news to storybooks. Financial
backing and a scriptwriter should be found before attempting
produces a film. There are two kinds of Directors the ones who
work for studios and those who work independently. (3)
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(SEPTEMBER 2012) DRAMATIC ARTS (Memo) 33
12.2 Use the rubric to guide the marking process (5)
Mark 12.2 Description
5 EXCELLENT Candidate is able to construct an argument
supporting the message that the film portrays and
uses concrete, specific examples of actors
'playing at being' characters. Candidate clearly
understands and can relate to the film theory, film
texts, films or own experience.
Candidate is able to construct an argument
supporting the truth of the film and uses concrete,
specific examples of actors 'becoming'
characters.
4 GOOD Candidate is able to connect to at least one of:
film theorists/ practitioners; film texts; films or own
experience to support the truth of the statement.
3 AVERAGE Candidate must have some connection to the film.
He/ She have examples of either film
theorists/practitioners, film texts or films but is not
always able to relate this to the films message.
2 FAIR Candidate manages to give some example/s of
film theorists/ practitioners, film texts of films but
is rarely able to relate this to the message of the
film.
1 WEAK Candidate gives some basic descriptions of
character work, but lacks ability to connect film
theorists/practitioners, film texts or films with the
film message at all. Generally makes comments
that relate very simply to one or more of the
points.
12.3 Dolly-shot
The camera is mounted on a moving vehicle, usually a platform designed
for this purpose. (1)
[15]
OR
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34 DRAMATIC ARTS (Memo) (SEPTEMBER 2012)
QUESTION 13 CULTURAL PERFORMANCE AND RITUAL (CHOICE QUESTION)
13.1 CULTURAL PERFORMANCE AND RITUAL (CHOICE QUESTION)
MARKS 13.1 and 13.2 DESCRIPTOR
12 – 15 Excellent
Candidate clearly understands the cultural performance and can relate to
an Indigenous performance he/she has seen or studied. Candidate is able
to construct an argument and uses concrete, specific examples of
discussing the accuracy of this cultural performance.
9 – 11 Good
Candidate understands the cultural performance and can relate to an
Indigenous performance he/she has seen or studied. Candidate uses
concrete, specific examples to discuss the accuracy of the cultural
performance.
6 – 8 Average
Candidate vaguely understands the cultural performance and can nearly
relate to an Indigenous performance he/she has seen or studied.
Candidate uses some examples to discuss the accuracy of this cultural
performance.
4 – 5 Elementary
Candidate manages to give some example/s of any Indigenous
performance he/she has seen or studied but rarely is able to relate this to
the cultural performance.
0 – 3 Weak
Candidate gives some basic descriptions of any Indigenous performance
he/she has studied or seen. Generally, statements that relate to the
answer are more by chance than design.
If the candidate just describes or narrates the ritual a maximum of 7 marks
can be awarded.
Please note this rubric applies to QUESTION 13.1, 13.2, 13.3 (5)
13.2 Explain the actor-audience relationship in a ritual performance. (5)
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(SEPTEMBER 2012) DRAMATIC ARTS (Memo) 35
13.3
A Main entrance F Audience on levels
B Side entrance G Actors‟ change room
C Actors‟ entrance/exit H Main performance space
D Actors‟ entrance I Sacred enclosure
E Audience J impis line-up in this space (5)
[15]
TOTAL SECTION C: 45
GRAND TOTAL: 150
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