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Basic 3 · Creative Arts · Appreciating and Appraising

Watching and Talking About Performances

In this topic you will agree on guidelines for watching performances and expressing your thoughts.

By the end of these notes you should be able to:

  • Agree on audience guidelines
  • Use a checklist to judge a performance
  • Express thoughts about your own and others' performances

What you already know

  • Performing African-inspired works

Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.

Strand
Performing Arts
Sub-strand
Appreciating and Appraising
Indicator
B3.2.4.6.1 – Agree on guidelines for viewing performing artworks and expressing own feelings and thoughts about own and others' performances

Introduction

After each performance, the class talks about what they saw and felt. Guidelines make the discussion fair and helpful.

1. Audience Guidelines

  • Watch quietly and attentively.
  • Clap at the end.
  • Wait until the end to comment.
  • Begin with something positive.

2. Performance Checklist

What to look for
AreaQuestion
rhythmWas the rhythm steady and together?
movementWere the steps clear and energetic?
costume and propsDid they suit the culture?
meaningDid the introduction explain the culture?
confidenceDid performers face the audience and smile?
Pupils sitting in a circle giving feedback after a performance
Figure 1: Talking about a performance Draw the feedback circle.Illustration: Sirbus

New words

attentively
Paying close attention.
positive
Good; encouraging.
energetic
Full of energy.
checklist
A list of things to check.

Summary

  • A good audience watches quietly and claps.
  • A checklist helps us judge rhythm, movement, costume, meaning and confidence.
  • Begin feedback with something positive.

Class activity: Feedback Circle

  1. Watch another group's performance.
  2. Fill in the checklist.
  3. Give one positive comment and one suggestion.

You need: Locally made drum, Gourd shaker, Kente cloth sample

Exercises

Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.

  1. 1. When should the audience comment?

    • A. At the end
    • B. During the dance
    • C. Before it starts
    • D. Never
    Show answer
    Answer: At the endWait until it is over.

  2. 2. Which is on the checklist?

    • A. Rhythm
    • B. Prices
    • C. Weather
    • D. Homework
    Show answer
    Answer: RhythmRhythm is checked.

  3. 3. Feedback should begin with something positive.

    • A. True
    • B. False
    Show answer
    Answer: TrueIt encourages performers.

  4. 4. The audience should talk loudly during a show.

    • A. True
    • B. False
    Show answer
    Answer: FalseWatch quietly.

  5. 5. Paying close attention means watching ______.

    Show answer
    Answer: attentivelyThat is attentive.

  6. 6. Write one positive comment about a performance you watched.

    Show answer
    Answer: E.g. Your rhythm was very steady.Positive comments encourage.

Homework

  1. Watch a performance on TV and use the checklist.