Theatre for young audiences and the Commedia dell'arte : the living tradition of the Commedia dell'arte in theatre for young audiences, with specific reference to selected original texts and performances.
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Date
1992
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Abstract
The thesis affirms the relevance of "Theatre for Young Audiences" as a valid
and distinctive genre; a performance genre that should entertain, educate and
provide meaning in terms of its creative interaction with personal, social, artistic and
cultural issues. The practice of playwrighting is removed from the assumption that
it relies exclusively on inspiration, intuition and spontaneity; it is placed within a
creative, experiential and discursive mode in which dramatic, theatrical,
performance and structural issues can be researched, analysed and evaluated
culminating in the crafting, making and presentation of innovative and challenging
theatre.
The research component of the thesis attempts to identify the social and moral
responsibility of the playwright writing for young audiences. It is asserted that
knowledge about the maturation of young people is crucial in the creative processes
of writing plays and making theatre. The second chapter in Part One of the thesis,
asserts that knowledge about the physical, emotional and intellectual maturation of
the intended audience should clearly impact on the delineation of plot, action,
character, language, audience participation, ethics and morality. The thesis clearly
identifies the importance of this knowledge for the Arts Educator.
However, "Theatre for Young Audiences" does not function solely in the realm
of education. The thesis distinguishes this genre from those of "Theatre-in-Education"
and "Drama-in-Education". The thesis firmly supports this distinction
and affirms the status of "Theatre for Young Audiences" as a performing art. This
argument is given further credence by the creative interaction of original scripts with
the "living tradition" of the Commedia dell' Arte. The Commedia dell' Arte is
examined from an historical perspective; pertinent features are addressed, selected,
utilised and transformed into a dynamic theatrical experience for young audiences in
contemporary South Africa.
The Commedia dell' Arte serves as a theatrical model and becomes a creative
device for further and renewed innovation. The inclusion of three original plays in
Appendices 1, 2 and 3, plus numerous references to selected, original texts and
performances provide an illustration of the concept that playwrighting for young
people can effectively and imaginatively transpose theoretical inquiry into
imaginative and challenging theatre experience.
The thesis attempts to utilise a clear conceptual basis for the development of
argument - the educational and psychological perspectives provide a foundation for
ideas and critical writing. The theatre heritage becomes a catalyst for innovative and
pertinent theatre that affirms the status, purpose and nature of "Theatre for Young
Audiences" in contemporary South Africa.
Description
Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of Natal, Durban, 1992.
Keywords
Oral tradition., Drama in education--South Africa., Theses--Drama and performance studies., Children's plays, South African (English)--History and criticism., Children's theatre--South Africa., Commedia dell' Arte--Influence.