Introduction to Abstract Explorative Strategies

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infoWhy this? Abstract and non-naturalistic strategies enable us to communicate ideas, emotions, and relationships symbolically rather than through realistic representation alone. Techniques such as abstract physicality, chorus, vocal collage, marking the moment, and structured flashback expand our creative choices and support original, thought-provoking drama.

scheduleWhy now? By Year 9, we have secure experience of characterisation, storytelling, atmosphere, and both naturalistic and stylised performance. This unit makes the construction of meaning more deliberate and gives us a broader practical vocabulary before later units analyse how genre, context, and playwright intentions shape performance.

This course uses statue, still image, and depiction as three levels in a compositional framework that develops frozen images into structured improvisation.
In this course's compositional framework, a statue is a single frozen pose that expresses a clear idea and is often symbolic in nature.
In this course's compositional framework, a still image is treated as a group frozen image that shows a moment or relationship.
In this course's compositional framework, a depiction is a structured, polished improvisation that starts and concludes with a still image.
Marking the moment involves highlighting a key moment in a scene using freeze frame, slow motion, mime, or music to emphasise its importance.
Slow motion is a technique that slows down action to intensify the audience's focus on a significant moment.
Non-naturalistic drama conventions such as mime, one-word drama, and abstract physicality are used to create meaning and atmosphere beyond realistic representation.
One-word drama is a convention in which each performer communicates using only one chosen word, varying its pitch, pace, volume, tone, and repetition to create meaning.
Abstract physicality is a convention in which performers use stylised, non-literal movement, gesture, posture, and spatial relationships to represent ideas, emotions, or relationships.
A chorus is a convention in which a group speaks, moves, or makes sounds together or in coordinated patterns to emphasise ideas, create atmosphere, or present a collective viewpoint.
Character objective is the goal or intention a character tries to achieve in a scene, guiding their actions and emotions.
Vocal collage is a group performance technique where overlapping voices, words, and sounds express a character's inner emotions or atmosphere.
Tunnel of thoughts is a drama device in which a character walks between two rows of people who voice the character's possible thoughts aloud, revealing the character's internal emotional process.
Soundscapes use group-created sounds to build atmosphere and setting in a performance.
A flashback is a storytelling device that takes the audience to an earlier time in a character's life; in this course, flashbacks use a three-part compositional framework of present moment, past memory, and return to the present.
Transitions between scenes are important for maintaining flow and clarity, and can use abstract strategies like chorus, vocal collage, or physical theatre.
Target audience refers to the specific group of people the performance is intended for, influencing how the drama is designed and communicated.
Forum theatre is an interactive style of theatre where spectators suggest and act out solutions to the problems presented in the performance.

rocket_launchYou must be able to

Collaborate with group members by contributing ideas, rehearsing agreed actions, and fulfilling a performance role to create polished improvisations and performances.
Create effective freeze frames and statues that clearly communicate a theme or moment to an audience.
Use expressive body language, facial expression, proxemics, and voice to enhance meaning in still images and depictions.
Develop and perform marking the moment scenes using freeze frame, slow motion, mime, or music to highlight key dramatic moments.
Apply a clear character objective to shape a character's actions, emotions, and interactions in performance.
Create and present scenes using non-naturalistic drama conventions such as mime, one-word drama, and abstract physicality to create atmosphere and convey meaning.
Create and perform vocal collages that effectively use overlapping sounds, words, and voices to express mood and character thoughts.
Perform a tunnel of thoughts by walking in role between two rows of performers or voicing possible thoughts and emotions for the character.
Collaborate to create and perform soundscapes that build appropriate atmosphere and setting for a scene.
Construct and perform clear flashbacks using a three-part structure and incorporate smooth transitions between scenes.
Evaluate their own and peers' performances, identifying strengths and areas for improvement with clear reasoning.
Adapt their performances to effectively communicate with a defined target audience.
Evaluate personal drama skills and contributions to group work using self-evaluation and peer feedback.
Use abstract drama strategies to add tension, mood, and meaning to their performances.
Transition smoothly between different dramatic techniques and scenes within a performance.

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