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Theatre Arts for Advanced Secondary Schools

as it is. Naturalist performance is often called slice-of-life drama, suggesting a
particular section has been taken from life and transferred to the stage as it is.
Naturalism evolved from the earliest realism movement of theatre, which aimed
at portraying ordinary life in details and accuracy.
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Features of naturalism
As a theatre movement, naturalism has its features that distinguish it from other
movements. Some of these characteristics include;
(a) Realist element: Naturalism shares many characteristics with realism,
emphasising the portrayal of everyday life and ordinary people.
Naturalism also, goes a step further by depicting life in its freshest and
in a most straightforward form, often digging into the darker aspects
of human existence. It borrows extensively from human behaviour and
psychology studies. The characters in the naturalism style of production
of plays should be flesh and blood, their actions and motivations should
be grounded in their heredity and environment. Its presentation in terms
of settings and performances should be realistic and not theatrical.

(b) Influenced by external forces: Naturalism suggests that individuals are
largely shaped by external forces beyond their control, such as genetics,
societal norms and environmental factors. Human behaviour is seen as
determined by these influences, rather than by free will or individual
action.

(c) Focus on environment: A great emphasis of naturalism is on the role that
the environment plays in shaping human behavior and destiny. Characters
are depicted as products of their surroundings, with their actions and
motivations influenced by the social, economic and physical conditions
in which they live.
(d) Human condition: Naturalism explores the complexities of the human
condition. Themes such as survival, desire, suffering and mortality are
depicted in naturalist plays. Through its portrayal of human weakness
and vulnerability, naturalism seeks to provoke empathy and reflection on
human experience.

(e) Static plot: In naturalist plays, the plot typically unfolds at a gradual pace,
concentrating on the characters’ daily lives and interactions instead of
dramatic twists and turns. This slower progression highlights the ongoing
and frequently monotonous aspects of real life.

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