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Theatre Arts for Advanced Secondary Schools
A good example of thrust stage in Tanzania is Ngome Kongwe Amphitheatre
in Stone Town, Zanzibar. Figure 3.6 shows the picture of Ngome Kongwe
Amphitheatre. Every stage is known for its features or characteristics. Even
though stages have some common features, the following are distinctive features
for thrust stage.
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Figure 3. 6: Ngome Kongwe Amphitheatre in Zanzibar
Characteristics of thrust stage
The following are features of thrust stage that significantly differentiates it from
the proscenium stage.
(a) It offers a backstage space: This part allows the performers to enter
and exit the stage. Backstage is a place where performers prepare for
the show, including changing costumes. Performers and designers keep
their properties in the backstage too. Moreover, the backstage crew use to
communicate with performers when the need arises.
(b) It allows performer-audience intimacy: Thrust stage allows intimate
relationship between performers and audience. Performers and audience
sit close to each other. The platform, which is usually extended to the
auditorium, is in this context raised. Apart from the raised platform,
intimacy between performers and audience is influenced by entrance
doors located where the audience sit. Frequent use of entrances makes
the audience and performers become close to each other. The entrances
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