Browsing by Author "Weare, Christopher"

Now showing 1 - 4 of 4
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    Challenging the structures of power : an introduction to Citizen Theatre
    (2007) Jusa, John; Weare, Christopher
    In this paper I explore and develop the notion of Citizen Theatre. Chaper 1 sets the contextual background that influenced my theory and practice. I examine the theory of structures of power as expounded by Magaisa (2006), and how it is applicable to Zimbabwe, In this chaper I briefly refer to the history of the liberation struggle and the current situation in Zimbabwe as a way of tracing the development of propaganda that informs the structures the power in Zimbabwe.
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    Developing comic text/s : representations and presentations of Jewish cultural identity through the integration of stand-up and domestic comedy
    (2005) Kowen, Jacqueline Therese; Weare, Christopher
    This written explication deals with the integration of the forms of stand-up comedy and domestic comedy in order to create a comic text. The comic text explores issues regarding the presentation and representation of Jewish cultural identity. The integration results in both the experienced and imagined truths of the playwright to become present on stage. These were points of enquiry in the writing, directing and performing of DRIVEN: A COMEDY IN 70 MINUTES, which opened at The Intimate Theatre, Orange Street, Cape Town on the 23 November 2004. The Introduction deals with defining key terms and forms to be used and discussed in the thesis, informing the reader of the writer's purpose in creating comic text by integrating stand-up and domestic comedy. In the first chapter the generating of comic text is explored. The generating of comic text is achieved by using the comic persona. The comic persona is developed using identity, outside voice. Once the comic persona is in place it is possible to: create an authentic stage persona for the stand-up comedian and to create a 'theatrical climate' consisting of plot, characters, themes and narrative storylines. In the second chapter the idea of pastiche (borrowed elements) is explored in terms of its impact structurally and stylistically in the writing, directing and performing of DRIVEN. Structurally this impact is evident via the use of 'pastiching' the structure of situation comedy (sitcom) and stylistically through the use of Yiddish and the influence of other comedians' performance styles on the comic persona. The third chapter delves into the way Jewish cultural identity is represented through stand-up comedy and Jewish cultural identity is presented through domestic comedy. The stand-up comedian, through persona, audience relationship and other devices associated with the form, becomes the representation of Jewish cultural identity. Characters, story and situation, through the use of both comic traits (elements associated with Jewish cultural identity) and stereotypes, become the presentation of Jewish cultural identity.
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    An exploration of the construction of a relationship between video (videographer) and live performance (theatre-maker/performer) and how the two art forms may inform each other.
    (2009) Paton, Garth; Weare, Christopher
    It is my intention to use video in a theatre setting to make visible what is not, to provide alternate views of reality and live action, and to create a heightened awareness of the medium through its use in an unconventional setting and in ways different to those that we are familiar with. It is my hope that through careful negotiation with the theatre-maker/choreographer, its use with live action will have an enhancing effect, perhaps leading to a more visceral theatre. The theory best serving to assist my attempts in terms of placing them into the academic continuum of other such endeavours and practitioners, is postmodern. Although the use of film and video in performance settings has become more general in the past three decades due to the accessibility of equipment, its use dates back to the beginning of film. This use has always been contentious, where it was often felt that the combining of a 'low' art, such as film was seen to be, with theatre, would have a diminishing effect on the latter.
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    Identity and difference without opposition : constructing and exposing strategic subjectivities for social comic comment
    (2008) Price, Alicia MV; Mills, Liz; Weare, Christopher
    This explication is an investigation into comedy as a medium for constructing strategic subjectivities and the potential holds for diffusing experiences of difference in contemporary South African contexts. Our culture is on that encounters difference and often experiences these moments as threatening. Comedy creates the opportunity for engagement with other subjective experiences, however, this potential is in my opinion, mostly wasted and performances tend instead to support the dominant social discourse. By examining the nature of subjectivity and identity within a postmodern, technologically connected culture, the active agency of the audience is kindled by the performer. The strategies of this encounter are discussed in relation to Lawrence Mintz's theories of the licensed spokesperson and the negative exemplar.