Page 90 - Thietre Arts

Theatre Arts For Secondary Schools

(h) Giving a sense of belonging: People get connected through culture, especially
when everyone speaks the same language. Language evolves with the culture as
an intimate product of the way those within the society communicate.

Activity 3.13

Imagine you find your name listed on the school notice board that you are going
to participate in the debate with the motion “African culture is better than Western
culture.” As a student, would you support or oppose the motion? Use various
sources to provide relevant examples for the side you will take.

Relationship between culture and theatre arts

The relationship between culture and theatre arts is complex and cooperative. Theatre
arts are deeply rooted in culture. The cultural elements significantly influence the
content, themes, styles and practices of theatrical performances. The following
paragraphs detail the relationship between culture and theatre arts:

(i) Themes and stories: Theatre reflects the stories and historical events that are
meaningful and relevant to a particular culture. The themes explored in theatre
often come from the cultural values, beliefs and experiences of the society it
represents.
(ii) Language and dialogue: The language used in theatrical performances often
reflects the language spoken in a specific culture. It includes dialects, idioms or
expressions that are similar to that. Theatre arts advance and promote the language
of a given culture.

(iii) Costumes and attire: Theatrical performances often combine traditional costumes
and attire that represent the cultural identity and historical context of the characters
or the setting of the play or theatre form. Hence, theatre arts show the richness of
a culture in terms of the dresses available.

(iv) Rituals and ceremonies: Some theatrical traditions have roots in cultural rituals
and ceremonies, which are highly used in theatrical performances. These traditions
connect theatre closely to cultural practices.
(v) Cultural preservation: Theatre can help preserve cultural heritage by performing
traditional theatre forms, re-enacting historical events and keeping cultural
narratives alive for future generations. On another note, culture offers theatre arts
a reserve to draw their content.

(vi) Cultural exchange: Theatre arts can facilitate cultural exchange that allows

82 Student’s Book Form One

18/10/2024 18:40
Theatre arts form 1.indd 82
Theatre arts form 1.indd 82 18/10/2024 18:40