Page 16 - Theatre_Arts_Form_5

Theatre Arts for Advanced Secondary Schools

Importance of naturalism
Artists who opt for naturalism benefit broadly from its importance as follows:
(a) Authenticity: Naturalism intends to portray life as it is. The movement
discourages idealisation and romanticising of reality. Thus, making it
easier for a person to understand human nature and society in a wider
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sense. Actors in naturalist plays are encouraged to deliver genuine and
believable performances. The focus on authenticity enhances the overall
impact of the production and the connection between actors and audience.

(b) Insight into human behaviour: Naturalism explores on the complexities of
human behaviour that are rarely expected. The hidden truth is revealed to
the community through naturalist movement. It examines how individuals
are shaped by their environment, heredity and social forces.

(c) Social critique: Naturalism acts as a bridge to social critique while
encouraging social injustice and inequalities to be revealed and criticised.
By portraying themes such as poverty, oppression, humiliation and alike,
they put emphasis on exposing life as it is towards searching for solutions.

(d) Enhancement of empathy and understanding: In portraying life as it
is, naturalism helps audiences build empathy and understanding. A
naturalistic depiction of people’s lives can highlight the differences
between various social and cultural groups.

Activity 1.2

1. Choose a location in or around the school where you can observe people
engaging in their daily routines such as getting services in canteens,
reading from the school library and watching different games in the
public playground. Then, quietly observe and take detailed notes on
what you see, focusing on the following:
(i) People’s behaviours and interactions
(ii) The environment and setting
(iii) Any notable details such as specific actions, mannerisms and
conversations
2. Create a short play or scene based on naturalism movement. Give your
play a relevant theme.

Form Five 6

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