Page 61 - Thietre Arts

Theatre Arts For Secondary Schools

Characteristics of heroic recitation
The characteristics of recitation are quite different from other theatre forms. These
characteristics are as follows:

(a) Narrative verse: Most of the recitations are in a form of poetry, so they are
narrated. They are the verses that a performer recites by following rhymes and
rhythms. The structure of the verses involves short tales. The kind of narration is
straight forward, and it expresses the events from simple to complex, and from
the beginning to the end.

(b) Symbolic language: Recitation is rich in figurative language. The reciter uses
the language that is characterised by various symbols, imagery, personifications,
metaphors and sayings in order to create the mental image to the audience.
Symbolic language stimulates thinking among the audience who take part in the
recitation performance. Characterising words and phrases are frequently used
to represent the personalities of the hero so as the expression of creativity and
mastery of the art by the reciter.

(c) High-toned delivery: When reciting, a reciter applies voice projection, especially
during changing of voice (fall and rise of sound) and putting stress and pitch.
A high tone symbolises victory and success. For example, in heroic recitation,
reciters normally choose a high tone when reflecting on their achievements and
what they have gone through until they emerged heroes.
(d) Introduction and unity: A reciter has to introduce different kinds of information
such as names, clans, and the unique features of the reciter’s personality. This
preliminary information precedes the actual recitation. It builds the character of
the reciter and unifies the reciter to the community of heroes.

(e) Fast pace: Most of the recitations are delivered at a fast speed. This expresses
the feelings and moods of the performers. The verses that a hero recites are at an
extremely fast pace to express urgency and bravery.

Functions of heroic recitations

Heroic recitations play a vital part in society. The functions of heroic recitations are
as follows:
(a) Preserving culture: Recitation is used to preserve culture in a community. The
culture preserved is based on the place, time, and event within a given community.
For example, the Haya have a traditional culture of reciting according to the
activities done and heroic acts accomplished by a member of the community.
They may include the killing of a fierce animal or winning a fight. In the African

53 Student’s Book Form One

18/10/2024 18:40
Theatre arts form 1.indd 53
Theatre arts form 1.indd 53 18/10/2024 18:40