Unpack the rubric

It is important to note that these artistic, cultural, social, political and personal concerns are not separate; they relate to each other and influence each other when we think about them and represent them dramatically. For example, when considering artistic issues, how is this connected to cultural?

This may refer to the elements of style, drama and theatrical conventions associated with representing issues and concerns in the play. It might also refer to how the text from the play is shaped by the people that make and perform a production of it, and how this process of production can influence and change its meaning.

For Stolen, Ilbijerri Theatre Company commissioned this work and decided a multi-voiced narrative was needed. The first production was directed by Wesley Enoch in 1998. 

Cultural issues and concerns refer to the practices and activities groups of people participate in that become important to that group's identity, sense of belonging and/or tradition. Culture can be responsive to change, and an important part of people's lived continuity.

Cultural practices can sometimes address common experiences among people, or help right wrongs. For example, the groundswell in the general Australian population that called for recognition of The Stolen Generations and a call for a national apology leading to National Sorry Day.

Social issues and concerns can relate to the way we interact with each other as groups of people that are similar or different. Closely related to the 'cultural' and 'political', social issues and concerns explore how we understand, negotiate, and even celebrate differences between groups and individuals. These processes can be informal, like talking things through to get a better understanding of one another, or exploring social issues through institutions like the legal system.

For example, the Mabo ruling is a landmark decision that rules that the doctrine of terra nullius should not have been applied and significantly progressed Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander land rights. 

Political issues and concerns explore how power is created, exercised and interrogated. Related closely to 'social' and 'cultural' ideas, political processes and institutions help shape how people live in a society. This can be done through participation in politics, like voting, campaigning and developing policy in a democracy.

For example, The Bringing them Home Report, chronicles the generational trauma experienced by thousands of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and their wider communities, as acknowledged in Paul Keating’s Redfern speech.

It may seem like 'personal' issues and concerns are in opposition to the other categories above, but the way we respond individually to artistic, cultural, social and political ideas is at the very heart of drama. As audience members and when we are engaged in performance, drama has the power to shape the way we think artistically, culturally, socially and politically. What occurs before the performance: the act of making drama and art also has a similar effect on our thinking.

For example, Jane Harrison deepens her own understanding of herself, but also the experiences of her audience members (who also come from a range of different backgrounds).

Contemporary practices in Australian theatre refer to the evolving, innovative, and culturally diverse approaches that define the current landscape of theatrical production and performance. These practices reflect the intersection of traditional and contemporary influences, constantly adapting to societal changes, technological advancements, and evolving artistic expressions.

Contemporary theatre in Australia encompasses a wide range of styles, genres, and themes, often drawing inspiration from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Cultures, multiculturalism, and global influences. It embraces experimental staging techniques, multimedia integration, immersive experiences, and socially relevant storytelling. Contemporary theatre practitioners collaborate across disciplines, incorporating elements of dance, visual arts, and digital media into their work.

Moreover, contemporary practices prioritise inclusivity, cultural sensitivity, and the exploration of pressing social and political issues, reflecting the diverse voices and experiences of modern Australian society.

Different contexts in Australian theatre refer to the various settings, situations, and environments in which theatrical performances and productions take place, each of which can significantly impact the audience's experience and the interpretation of the work. These contexts range from traditional theatre spaces like auditoriums and stages to non-conventional venues such as outdoor settings, site-specific locations, and even digital platforms. Different contexts also encompass the cultural, historical, and social backgrounds against which a performance is written and staged, influencing its meaning and relevance. In Australia, this diversity of contexts allows for a rich tapestry of theatrical experiences that cater to a wide range of audiences and artistic expressions.

Dramatic forms and performance styles in Australian theatre encompass the diverse genres, structures, and artistic approaches used to convey stories on stage. These encompass traditional genres such as drama, comedy, and musical theatre, as well as experimental and multicultural forms that reflect the nation's rich cultural tapestry. 

Performance styles vary from naturalistic acting to avant-garde experimentation, emphasising cultural diversity, physicality, and storytelling techniques. These elements collectively shape the dynamic and evolving landscape of Australian theatre, offering a range of expressive tools for artists to engage with audiences and convey unique narratives.

Dramatic techniques and conventions in Australian theatre refer to the established methods and practices used by playwrights, directors, actors, and designers to create compelling theatrical experiences. These encompass the elements of drama, elements of production and scripting conventions. Conventions refers to the expected norms when it comes to plot structure, character development, dialogue, staging, lighting, and sound design. While some conventions adhere to these traditional theatrical norms, others challenge or subvert them, reflecting the nation's evolving artistic landscape and complex history. Australian theatre often combines these techniques and conventions to produce innovative and culturally relevant productions that resonate with audiences while pushing the boundaries of storytelling and performance.

Theatre is a transformative art form that can have a profound influence on audiences, shaping their understanding and responses to ideas and images presented in performances. There are several ways audiences are influenced, including:

• Emotional connection: theatre is a channel for emotions, enabling the audience to feel joy, sorrow, fear, or anger. When characters grapple with powerful themes on stage, audiences often emotionally invest in their journeys, making the ideas and images resonate more deeply.

• Empathy and perspective: theatre fosters empathy by immersing viewers in diverse characters' lives and experiences. This enables audiences to see the world through different lenses, broadening their understanding of complex issues and human nature.

• Intellectual engagement: theatre challenges audiences to think critically about themes, characters, and conflicts. It prompts reflection on social, cultural, and ethical issues, encouraging active intellectual participation.

• Visceral impact: the live and immediate nature of theatre creates a visceral impact. Audiences witness performances in real-time, forging a powerful connection between performers and spectators, allowing ideas and images to transcend the stage.

• Critical thinking: theatre can be a catalyst for personal growth and transformation, prompted by complex social, cultural, political and personal situations performed in the characters' lives. This exploration and thought, often centred on moral issues and concerns, can instigate change in an audience member's perspective and behaviour.

Refer to NESA's A Glossary of Key Words to find out more. You'll note that 'explore' isn't on the list, but very similar words that could mean explore are listed below.

• Apply

• Appreciate

• Assess

• Compare

• Describe

• Extract

• Extrapolate

• Predict

• Summarise

• Synthesise

Learning in the drama classroom operates theoretically and experientially, merging the study of dramatic concepts, play texts, and techniques with hands-on, practical theatre making. Theoretical understanding equips you with knowledge of dramatic forms, performance styles, and contexts, while experiential learning immerses you in live performance (as both performer and audience), improvisation, and character exploration. This dynamic combination empowers you to grasp the theoretical foundations and then actively apply them through rehearsals, productions, and interactive exercises, fostering a holistic comprehension of drama that transcends the classroom and prepares you for real-world theatrical engagement.

This also means that the theoretical and experiential should influence one another in your work. You should refer to your theoretical understanding of drama and meaning making when devising performance, and describe and discuss examples of performance (not just quotations from the play script) when writing about performance.