Theatre and Performance Studies and Dance Majors

The local researchers are particularly concerned with the traditional themes of theatrics and dances. It is believed that without the involvement of experienced critics, most of Australia’s unique arts would have been extinct. The fears are attributed to the major influence which is originating from the European countries. Given the high level of technological development, most of the performers and their supervisors had acquired exotic practices as a way of competing with the local rivals. Therefore, some of the Australian essential values were gradually being abandoned as competitors rushed for fame and relevance on the global stage (Prentki & Preston, 2013). By considering these practices, theatrics and performing arts have also been designed to preserve the traditional heritage. As a result, it is a common practice to find that performers are graced with traditional attire during their presentations.

Musicians and poets are also cautious enough to incorporate traditional aspects of aboriginal styles in their composure. Theatrical Practices, Styles and Conventions One of the most notable theatrical practices in the Australian context is intermediality. The concept of intermediality is used in theatre and performance to depict the art of interdisciplinary activities. The Australian system of theatre of performing arts is also recognized for its encouragement on the use of mimesis. Artists have been observed to utilize this concept in their regular performances in which they imitate the desirable or intended styles of play from the original contexts. It is important to that mimesis as an art of expression should be cautiously practiced in order for the artists to realize nonsensuous similarity among themselves. This is an implication that even though mimesis typically encourages the mimicry of other performances, it must also encompass the creativity of oneself (Radbourne, Glow & Johanson, 2013).

Otherwise, the entire practice might be considered as plagiarism. It is also an appreciation for the dedication and creativity showcased where other people have failed. When the audience is lively and in support of the performer, theatrical activities become more engaging and enjoyable. Similarly, a poet or literary writer whose articles are positively reviewed and highly demanded can invest more of his or her time to conduct in-depth research for future documents. On the other hand, insufficient spectatorship is discouraging to the artists and particularly embarrassing to live performers. It derails the moral of poets and literary writers, thus prompting them to abandon their course for further research. Whenever a need arises for the implementation of social change, activist art can be implemented because it generally allows for communal and public participation.

By utilizing the public space and freedom of expression, artists can mobilize the marginalized groups and encourage them to speak up for their infringed rights. Australian activist artists have been particularly recognized for their active involvement in criticism of the authoritative rulers. By doing so, they have assisted in protecting endangered populations to gain relevance and recognition in the national government. For instance, in contemporary Australia, people from the Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders group who had once been abandoned by the government are now progressively acquiring leadership slots in the current administration. By considering the Australian practices, it is clear that through popular culture, poets and musicians have been able to compose songs that bear similarities with the original music played by the Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders. In the Australian theatre and performing arts, popular culture has promoted the transfer of native practices from one generation to another.

It is believed that without the consolidated influence of popular culture, traditional Australian practices would have vanished since the official culture is only focusing on the modern practices as illustrated by the European lifestyles. Therefore important for artists to entirely embrace popular culture because it is through such practices that they can demonstrate uniqueness in their daily pieces of art. Inasmuch as the popular culture is considered to be a tool for the preservation of national heritage, it has also been criticized by some scholars for being misleading to the uninformed public (Dean & Smith, 2013). Therefore, it is encouraged that current and future pieces of theatre and performing arts should embrace similar styles for purposes of continued audience engagement. Another useful practice in theatre and performing arts can be regarded as re-enactment.

Across the centuries, artists has tried to convey messages contained in one media to another audience which might not be familiar with the art as it existed in its original form. Therefore, there has always been a process of transcoding information to the intended audience through the use of various media. This practice can also be referred to as adaptation and is majorly presented in three forms namely; film, literary and theatrical adaptation. The Australian theatre and performing arts industry was also threatened of a possible backlash in Aboriginal practices. However, the national theatre professionals and critics were punctual enough to observe the challenges and propose for possible remedies. Ever since, live performers and dancers have remained affiliated to the traditional Aboriginal practices through implementation of ideas like intermediality, re-enactment, spectatorship and embodiment.

The Australian authorities have also encouraged the continuity of Aboriginal practices by establishing local museums in which traditional arts, music and tools are stored. Aspiring artists are always advised to visit these national sites as a way of creating a connection with the ancient Aboriginals. Artivate: A Journal of Entrepreneurship in the Arts, 3(1), 3-22. Prentki, T. Preston, S. Eds. The applied theatre reader.