South african protest theatre

• What are the two powerful forms of drama that emerged in South Africa as a response to social and political injustices?

  Protest Theatre and Theatre of Resistance
• What was the primary purpose of South African Protest Theatre during apartheid?

  To serve as a voice for the oppressed and challenge social injustices
• What is one notable work from the genre of South African Protest Theatre?

  The musical "Sarafina!"
• How did Protest Theatre serve as a weapon against injustice?

  It exposed injustice, raised awareness, and encouraged action
• What are the key characteristics of South African Protest Theatre?

  • Message driven
  • Breaking the fourth wall
  • Use of singing and protest songs
  • Immediate and urgent issues
  • Multifunctional use of props
  • Didactic intention
  • Actor-centered
  • Performed in found spaces
  • Physical acting
  • Exaggerated style
  • Episodic structure
  • Influence of Poor Theatre and Brecht
  • Workshopped plays
  • Themes of racial discrimination and human rights abuses
• What period does the Apartheid Era refer to in South Africa?

  1948-1994
• What was the significance of performing Protest Theatre in unconventional spaces?

  It allowed reaching a wider audience
• How did South African Protest Theatre depict the realities of life under apartheid?

  By using simple scenarios and stereotypical characters
• What role did music and dance play in South African Protest Theatre?

  They engaged audiences and enhanced storytelling
• What are the main themes of South African Protest Theatre?

  • Racial discrimination
  • Inequality
  • Human rights abuses
• Who is the creator of the musical "Sarafina!"?

  Mbongeni Ngema
• What historical event does "Sarafina!" take place during?

  The 1976 Soweto Uprising
• What is the main plot of "Sarafina!"?

  It follows a young girl who inspires her classmates to resist apartheid
• What are the key themes and messages in "Sarafina!"?

  • Youth activism
  • Cultural pride
  • Hope and resilience
• How does "Sarafina!" connect to the broader concept of Protest Theatre?

  It reflects real historical events and encourages social reflection
• What is the legacy of "Sarafina!"?

  It has been performed worldwide and educates about apartheid struggles
• What does the term "Theatre of Resistance" encompass?

  • Theatrical works opposing oppressive systems globally
  • Political commentary and critique of societal norms
  • Encouragement of audience participation
• What is the impact of Theatre of Resistance?

  It raises awareness and empowers communities against oppression
• What should actors consider when giving answers on acting exercises?

  • Vocal and physical warm-ups
  • Elimination of unnecessary tension
  • Diaphragmatic breathing techniques
• What is one method to eliminate unnecessary tension in acting?

  Identifying where the tension lies and releasing it
• What is diaphragmatic intercostal breathing used for in acting?

  To allow breath to enter the lowest regions of the lungs and control breathing
• What are some exercises to improve breathing for actors?

  • Stand centered and feel rib movement
  • Hug your body while breathing
  • Push against a partner's hands while breathing
• What is protest theatre?


  Theatre that aims to raise awareness and provoke social or political change. It is a peaceful form of protest that emerged as a response to social and political injustices.