DEFINITION OF DRAMA

Drama is story written to be performed by actors. Drama is the specific mode of fiction represented in performance. The term comes from a Greek word "dran" meaning "action", which is derived from "to do" or "to act". According to the modern definition, any play may be considered a drama.

The difference between drama and other forms of literature is the way the “audience” receives the texts. For example, drama is meant to be performed in the form of a play, skit, sitcom etc. The lines are read to the audience and they receive it that way. As for the other forms, the “audience” reads the text themselves whether it be a fictional novel, nonfictional texts (newspapers, magazines, textbooks) or anything that is read. Non-fictional information can be given in the form of a newscast or some TV show but this just delivers facts and is not acted. Some shows may be bases on real events but the way they are preformed is scripted, reenacted, and may contain fictional elements making it drama.

Drama is a favorite form of entertainment for many people, whether it is a play being performed live or a movie being shown at a movie theater. However, people may not be aware that the art of drama has been practiced and studied for many years. In 335 B.C., the philosopher Aristotle wrote a work called Poetics in which he outlined the most basic elements of drama that are still adhered to by actors and actresses today. Traditionally, drama performed on stage before an audience, but nowadays can refer to a TV show/movie/Broadway etc.

Read More

THE GENRE OF DRAMA

Genre is a term that describes works of literature according to their shared thematic or structural characteristics. The drama was difference based on the elements of drama and common perception of people.
a) Comedy
A comedy makes us laugh when the play is well composed with the humorous elements. It refers to a play that is humorous, and that typically have happy endings.  The intent of a comedic play is to make the audience laugh. Composing a comical drama requires high level of intellect and perceptive faculties because provoking laughter is not something easy.
b) Tragedy
Tragedy is the drama exposes the plight and suffering of humans to its audience. It is play in which a main character suffers a down fall. Tragedy usually involves serious subject matter and the death of one or more main characters. The theme of a tragedy usually rotates around ruination of dynasty, downfall of man, emotional betrayals, moral setback, personal loss, death and denials. A tragedy when composed and enacted well can touch your sentiments deeply.
c) Musical
In musical drama, the story is told not only through dialogue and acting but through music and dance. Music, melody and dance play a significant role in a musical drama. The music should be in sync with the actions and the performer often uses dance as a means of self expression. The stage is equipped with a band of orchestra, well rehearsed with the plot and use of music. Musical drama became popular as opera, which is still considered to be intensely sensuous.
d)  Fantasy
It's a complete fictional work where characters virtually display supernatural skills. It's more appealing to children as fairies, angels, superheroes, etc are embedded in the plot. Use of magic, pseudo science, horror and spooky themes through various kinds of technical devices create a perfect world of fantasy. The modern version of drama incorporates a great deal of special effects.

Read More

THE ELEMENTS OF DRAMA

These terms refer to aspects that must be present in order for a work of drama to be successful. The elements of drama may seem very similar to the elements of fiction, and they are. The difference is that drama has certain elements that make it unique in its own way. The most important elements are the audience and the characterization when it comes to the authors’ success. However, there can be other elements that can be very crucial.

Here is the element of drama.

A. Theme

The theme is the abstract issues and feelings that grow out of the dramatic action. What the play means as opposed to what happens (the plot). The theme of a drama refers to the central idea of the play. It can either be clearly stated through dialogue or action or can be inferred after watching the entire performance. Sometimes the theme is clearly stated in the title. Or it may be the theme is less obvious and emerges only after some study or thought.

B. Plot

The order of events occurring in a play is referred to as the plot of the drama. It is the basic storyline that is narrated through a play. Plot is the arrangement of the overall structure of dramatic literature. The plot is the literary element that describes the sequence of a story. In drama, plot is structured with acts and scenes.

C. Setting

The setting in dramatic literature is where the play takes place. It is everything about the place, including the time of day the play takes place. The playwright uses language to create the setting and the scenes tell the reader information about it.

D. Music

This element of drama comprises of the melody in the use of sounds and rhythm in dialogues as well as melodious compositions, which form a part of many plays. If the scenes of a play are accompanied by well-suited pieces of music, they become more effective on the audiences. Hence, music forms a very important element of drama.

Music is not a part of every play.  But, music can be included to mean all sounds in a production.  Music can expand to all sound effects, the actor’s voices, songs, and instrumental music played as underscore in a play.

E. Spectacle

Spectacle is the arrangement of the features of a drama. It is a design of everything that the audience sees as they watch the play. This refers to visual element. It include:

a)    The arrangement of stage

b)    Lighting Design

c)    Costume Design

d)    Makeup

Read More