Dramatic Arts: South Africa Grade 11 School Syllabus

This syllabus outlines the curriculum for Dramatic Arts in South Africa, based on the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) document. The curriculum integrates practical experience with theoretical understanding, aiming to develop learners' creative expression, communication skills, and critical thinking. It emphasizes the role of dramatic arts in South Africa and encourages engagement with diverse cultural and theatrical practices.

Term 1

• Realism and Stanislavski (18 hours): This topic explores the rise of realism in theatre, its conventions, and its impact on dramatic arts. Learners study Konstantin Stanislavski's contributions to acting theory and technique, including concepts like "magic if," given circumstances, and emotional memory. Practical application of Stanislavski's system is emphasized.
• Play Text 1: Realist Text (8 hours): Learners study a selected realist play, analyzing its context, themes, characters, and staging. They also consider audience reception and critical response to the play.
• Voice and Body Work (10 hours): This topic focuses on developing vocal and physical techniques for characterization. Learners revise and expand their knowledge of breathing, phonation, resonance, articulation, projection, and vocal attributes like pace, pitch, and tone. Physical characterization techniques, including neutral posture and body language, are also explored.

Term 2

• South African Theatre (20 hours): This topic examines the hybrid nature of South African theatre, exploring its diverse traditions, identities, and heritages. Learners investigate the role of theatre in society, focusing on forms like Protest theatre, Community theatre, and Workers' theatre. They research and present on a chosen form of South African theatre with a specific agenda. A practical component involves workshopping a short, original scene or play addressing a social issue.
• Play Text 2: South African Theatre Text (8 hours): Learners study a selected South African play, analyzing its context, themes, characters, style, staging conventions, and audience reception. The communal theatre-making process in South Africa is also explored.
• Physical Theatre Performance (8 hours): This topic focuses on developing movement skills using Laban's Movement Analysis. Learners engage in warm-up activities, trust exercises, and exploration of body attitude and effort actions. They develop and perform a movement or physical theatre piece in a group.

Term 3

• Stylized Theatre (16 hours): Learners study one of the following stylized theatre forms: Elizabethan, Asian (Japanese/Chinese), Pan-African, Contemporary American, or Expressionist. They explore the chosen form's background, characteristics, performance techniques, subject matter, and design elements. A practical component involves applying stylized performance techniques to a suitable text for individual performance.
• Play Text 3: Stylized Play Text (14 hours): Learners study a play from the stylized theatre form chosen in the previous topic. They analyze the play's context, themes, characters, design elements, staging conventions, and audience reception.
• Director/Designer in Theatre or Film (6 hours): This topic explores the roles and functions of directors and designers in theatre and film. Learners apply elements and techniques of directing/designing to one of the plays studied during the year.

Term 4

• Poor Theatre (12 hours): Learners explore the concept of "Poor Theatre," its characteristics, performance style, and design elements. They study the work of Jerzy Grotowski and other relevant theatre practitioners. A practical component involves adapting a known text and performing it using Poor Theatre techniques.
• Preparation of Practical Work (10 hours): This topic focuses on integrating vocal and physical skills, applying theatre performance skills in three contrasting pieces (two group, one individual). Learners develop their performances, focusing on characterization, audience interaction, and design elements.
• Revision (8 hours): Learners revise the theoretical and practical content covered throughout the year.

This syllabus emphasizes the importance of both practical application and theoretical understanding of dramatic arts. Learners are encouraged to develop their skills in various performance styles, analyze plays in context, and explore the role of theatre in society.