Woza Albert!: form

Woza Albert!: form

Form of ‘Woza Albert!’

Theatre Style

‘Woza Albert!’ is a physical theatre performance, which concentrates on physical movement as an expressive medium rather than dialogue.
The play is also a form of workshop theatre, meaning it is a collaborative effort, developed through a series of improvisations.
It is also part of the protest theatre movement, directly critiquing the apartheid regime and highlighting socio-political issues.

Structure

The play is divided into 26 scenes, each with a distinct purpose that further develops the storyline.
The structure is non-linear, with the scenes acting as individual vignettes that are not ordered chronologically.
This fragmentation contributes to the play’s surrealist nature, as it steps outside the constraints of time and space.

Performance Techniques

The play utilises mime, dance, song, and direct address to communicate with the audience, adding layers of meaning.
The two actors transition between various characters, using physical transformations to indicate shifts in role.
The minimalist approach to set and props underlines the focus on physicality.

Role of Audience

The fragmented, non-linear structure and abstract technique requires the audience to be actively engaged, interpreting each scene as part of a greater whole.
The use of direct address also implicates the audience, making them feel part of the performance, rather than just spectators.
The ambiguous ending leaves the audience questioning the meaning and implications of the play, cementing their engagement with the piece.

Use of Language

‘Woza Albert!’ uses a mix of languages, including English, Zulu, and Afrikaans, reflecting the multi-lingual nature of South Africa.
This use of language is a form of code-switching, which further emphasizes the socio-political issues presented in the play.
The dynamic use of language also contributes to the characterisation, aiding the actors in distinguishing between the multiple characters they portray.