Page 83 - Thietre Arts

Theatre Arts For Secondary Schools

Activity 3.8

Visit any places nearby your home or use online sources to study the neglected
norms.
1 What norms are neglected?
2 What caused them to be neglected?

3 How can they be restored?
4 Why should they be restored?

Tradition

A tradition is a past experience people inherit from the old generation and is believed
to be unchangeable. Traditions are transmitted from one generation to another
through various media. They include forms of African theatre and practices such
as initiation rites, marriages, funerals, ceremonies, traditional dances and rituals.
Traditions contribute to a sense of comfort, belonging and unity among the people
in the community because of their shared experiences. Towards the end of the year,
some ethnic groups have a tendency of travelling back to their homeland to join their
loved ones. For example, the Chaga, during Christmas and new year holidays, go back
home to join their relatives for these respected celebrations in which food, grilled
meat and brews are bought and provided for free to all members. The Makunduchi
in Zanzibar flock to their homeland during Mwakakogwa, a traditional New Year
celebration. These traditions have been maintained because they are considered the
major means of strengthening relationships in these communities.

Activity 3.9

Prepare a class fashion show with a theme based on traditional dressing styles
in which each model will dress in traditional outfit reflecting various ethnic
communities. Stage your fashion show.

Symbol
A symbol is a mark or a sign which represents an idea, an object or a relationship.
Symbols have an emotional touch with people who belong to a particular culture
and are common to almost all the people in the society. Every culture has its own
symbols which vary from the rest of the cultures. These symbols include language,

75 Student’s Book Form One

18/10/2024 18:40
Theatre arts form 1.indd 75
Theatre arts form 1.indd 75 18/10/2024 18:40