Page 13 - Theatre_Arts_Form_5

Theatre Arts for Advanced Secondary Schools

these issues. Performances seek to shed light on social injustices and
provoke thoughts and discussions among various audiences.

(d) Selective: Plays adopting realism movement, do not document everything.
They selectively document issues that they would like to be remembered.
FOR ONLINE READING ONLY
These events are tailored in a way they narrate a complete story that has
beginning middle and end. A good example of a realism play is Ushuhuda
wa Mifupa, a play by Ibrahim Ngozi. Others are such as Ayubu, Mashetani
and many others.

(e) Focus on an individual: Realism often highlights individual experiences
and emotions. The individual stories are used to reflect broader social
realities.

(f) Detailed stage directions: Playwrights give detailed stage directions to
guarantee that all elements of the production contribute to a realistic
depiction of life. These directions often include specifics about the setting,
actions and even the characters’ physical appearances.

Importance of realism

Realism in theatre has significant importance to both theatre practitioners and the
audience alike. The importance of realism movement in theatre includes:
(a) Reflecting everyday life: In theatre, realism presents characters, situations
and dialogue that closely resemble everyday life. Realism allows
audiences to see themselves reflected on stage, and it fosters empathy and
direct connection with them through the depiction of relatable scenarios.

(b) Exploring complex human emotions: Realism provides a room for
playwrights and performers to explore human emotions such as joy, love,
sorrow and despair. Realistic plays offer insights into the human condition
and motivation behind their actions by focussing on complexities of
human psychology and relationships.

(c) Social critique: Realism in theatre often addresses social issues,
inequalities and injustices within the society. By highlighting issues and
exposing systemic problems, realist plays can provoke thoughts, dialogue
and social change.

3 Form Five

28/06/2024 15:04
THEATRE ART F5 fnl.indd 3 28/06/2024 15:04
THEATRE ART F5 fnl.indd 3