What are the challenges in creating non naturalistic theatre? (drama)

Explanation:

One of the difficulties for VCE Drama teachers and students is that while four conventions are highlighted as essential components of non-naturalistic theatre for students at Year 12 (see below), beyond this there is no finite list of conventions (nor should there necessarily be so).  The ability for teachers to compile a list of non-naturalistic conventions for easy digestion by their students in the classroom can sometimes prove difficult. So I have compiled a list from a few sources that may assist some people in seeing it all at a glance:

Non-Naturalistic (Theatrical) Conventions

The essential four in the VCE Drama course require students to demonstrate:

transformation of character

transformation of place

transformation of object (prop/item of costume)

transformation of time (2014 onwards) <currently “disjointed time sequences”>

VCE Drama solo performance examination documents (2007-2013) have included the following conventions to be applied by students in non-naturalistic ways:

stillness and silence

dramatic irony

exaggerated movement

song

caricature

heightened use of language

dramatic metaphor

satire/comedy

pathos

freeze frame

flashback

dramatic metaphor

fatal flaw

lyrical

live sound effects

I would add the following conventions (mostly belonging to Brecht’s epic theatre style):

direct audience address

fragmentary costume

placards and signs

narration

fragmentary set pieces

multimedia

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