Dramatic Arts

Dramatic Arts engages us with past and present narratives that talk to the complexities of being a South African. It makes no attempt to hide the truths associated with the complex issues we manage on a daily basis. The subject provokes us to consider our individual position and collective attitudes and to interrogate our thinking about our historical past and contemporary present within a global society.

It offers no apologies and no answers to many of the big questions we as a nation are trying to tackle in our attempt to shake off the burden of our apartheid past and to work through the considerable baggage we carry with us through which we filter much of what we say and do.

What is the subject ‘Dramatic Arts’ ?

Dramatic Arts is a study of the representation of human experience in dramatic form for an audience. This study integrates practical experiences and competencies with the study of dramatic practices, processes and products. It aims to promote and develop creativity as a rich, diverse and productive resource through dramatic communication, interaction and representation. Learners explore how dramatic and theatrical elements are selected and combined for particular purposes within diverse contexts.

Dramatic Arts is a powerful tool for developing skills of cooperation and collaboration, equipping learners with crucial life skills such as confidence, creativity, communication skills (verbally and non-verbally), empathy, self-discipline. critical and creative thinking, leadership and collaborative teamwork, which will benefit the individual in any field of future interest.

Each year at least two plays, corresponding to a chronologically explored theatre timeline and philosophy, will be analysed dramatically, stylistically, socio‐politically and practically - from a pre-modern mindset, a modern mindset and a postmodern mindset.

While most regard Dramatic Arts as a purely practical subject it is important to understand that the subject entails a vast amount of theoretical work, essential to understanding concepts and applications. It is NOT a “soft option”, but rather an imperative “soft skill”.

What does ‘Dramatic Arts’ expect of the learner?

Like any other subject Dramatic Arts requires the learner to commit to his / her own personal understanding and development through consistent hard work. Given its practical outcomes all learners will be expected to attend set tutorial lessons (as prescribed in the school’s regular timetable) as well as at least one additional hour per week beyond the regular academic school hours. Should a full production be accomplishable and viable, all cast members will be expected to rehearse according to a strenuous schedule that may include evening and weekend/ holiday presence.

Means of assessment for Grade 12

School Based Assessment (SBA) - 100 marks

• Integrated Practical Tasks (IPTs)

• Theoretical Internal Assessments (ITAs)

External Assessment Tasks - 300 marks

• Performance Assessment Task (PAT)

• Practical Examination

• Written Examination

TOTAL: 400 marks

Fact is………

The notion of the “starving artist” is an archaic and irrelevant one. Film, theatre, art, media and entertainment are parts of one of the fastest growing industries in the world and demands creativity and critical thinking.