DRAMA

All you need to know about Drama

1. Slapstick comedy: Physical humor, exaggerated actions, and funny mishaps are the hallmarks of
slapstick comedy. Think of Charlie Chaplin or The Three Stooges.

2. Satirical comedy: Satire uses irony, sarcasm, and wit to criticize and mock societal issues,
institutions, or individuals. Shows like "Saturday Night Live" often employ satire.

3. Romantic comedy: This type of comedy focuses on the ups and downs of romantic relationships,
often with humorous misunderstandings and comedic situations. Movies like "When Harry Met
Sally" fall into this category.

4. Dark comedy: Dark comedy combines humor with darker or taboo subjects, such as death, crime,
or social taboos. Shows like "Fargo" or movies like "Pulp Fiction" can be considered dark
comedies.

These are just a few examples, and comedy can take many forms and blend with other genres as
well. Comedy has the power to make us laugh, reflect, and find joy in the lighter side of life.
Farce is a type of comedy that relies on exaggerated situations, mistaken identities, and absurd
humor to create laughter. It often involves fast-paced action, door-slamming, and chaotic situations.
Farce is known for its over-the-top characters and hilarious misunderstandings.

There are different types of farce, such as:

1. Bedroom farce: This type of farce takes place in a bedroom or involves romantic or sexual
situations. It often includes mistaken identities, hiding in closets, and comedic timing.

2. Door-slamming farce: In this type of farce, characters are constantly entering and exiting through
various doors, leading to confusion, misunderstandings, and comedic chaos.

3. Social farce: Social farce satirizes social conventions, norms, and manners. It often involves
characters trying to maintain appearances and navigate through awkward or absurd situations.

Farce is all about the hilarity of the moment and the joy of laughter. It's a great way to escape reality
and enjoy some light-hearted entertainment.
 Tragic comedy, also known as tragicomedy, is a genre that combines elements of both tragedy
and comedy. It blends serious and humorous elements to explore complex human emotions and
experiences. Tragic comedy often features characters facing difficult situations or conflicts, but also
includes moments of humor and levity.

There are different types of tragic comedy, such as:

1. Romantic tragic comedy: This type of tragic comedy focuses on romantic relationships and the
ups and downs that come with them. It explores the bittersweet nature of love, often balancing
heartbreak and humor.

2. Existential tragic comedy: This type of tragic comedy delves into philosophical or existential
themes, questioning the meaning of life and the human condition. It combines moments of
introspection and seriousness with comedic elements.

3. Social tragic comedy: Social tragic comedy examines societal issues, norms, and injustices
through a blend of tragedy and comedy. It highlights the absurdity and contradictions of society
while evoking both laughter and reflection.

Tragic comedy offers a unique blend of emotions, allowing us to experience both joy and sorrow
simultaneously. It reminds us of the complexities of life and the power of laughter in the face of
adversity.
Tragedy is a genre that explores serious and somber themes, often involving the downfall or
suffering of the main characters. It evokes emotions like sadness, pity, and fear. Tragedies typically
involve characters facing conflicts, making fatal mistakes, and experiencing great loss or
misfortune.

There are different types of tragedy, such as:

1. Classical tragedy: This type of tragedy follows the structure and conventions established by
ancient Greek playwrights like Sophocles and Euripides. It often revolves around the downfall of a
noble protagonist due to a tragic flaw or external circumstances.

2. Revenge tragedy: Revenge tragedy focuses on the pursuit of vengeance by a central character. It
explores themes of justice, morality, and the consequences of seeking revenge.

3. Domestic tragedy: Domestic tragedy portrays the downfall or suffering of ordinary individuals or
families. It examines personal relationships, societal pressures, and the impact of everyday life on
individuals.

Tragedy allows us to reflect on the human condition, the fragility of life, and the consequences of
our actions. It can be emotionally intense but also thought-provoking.
ORIGIN OF DRAMA
Drama has its roots in ancient Greece, where it originated as a form of storytelling and performance.
The ancient Greeks held theatrical festivals to honor their gods, and these festivals included
performances of plays. The earliest recorded playwrights were Aeschylus, Sophocles, and
Euripides, who wrote tragedies that explored human emotions, conflicts, and moral dilemmas.
Over time, drama evolved and spread to other cultures and civilizations, each adding their own
unique styles and techniques. Today, drama continues to be a popular form of artistic expression,
encompassing a wide range of genres and styles. It allows us to explore the depths of human
experience and connect with audiences through the power of storytelling.
COMPONENT OF DRAMA
In the realm of drama, there are several key components that come together to create a compelling
theatrical experience. These components include plot, character, dialogue, theme, and spectacle.
The plot refers to the sequence of events that unfold in the story.
Characters are the individuals who drive the narrative forward.
Dialogue involves the spoken words and conversations between characters, conveying their
thoughts, emotions, and conflicts.
Themes are the underlying messages or ideas explored in the play, and spectacle encompasses
the visual and auditory elements that enhance the performance, such as costumes, set design, and
music.
In drama, action refers to the physical and visible elements of the performance. It encompasses
the movements, gestures, and interactions of the characters on stage. Action helps to convey the
story and emotions to the audience through the actors' physicality and expressions. It can include
everything from simple movements like walking or sitting to more complex actions like fighting or
dancing. The action in a play is carefully choreographed and directed to enhance the storytelling
and engage the audience visually. It adds another layer of depth and realism to the dramatic
experience.
Conflict, as a component of drama, refers to the central struggle or problem that drives the
story forward and creates tension. It can take various forms, such as internal conflicts within a
character's mind or external conflicts between characters or forces. Conflict is essential in drama as
it creates obstacles, challenges, and dilemmas that the characters must confront and overcome. It
adds depth and complexity to the narrative, revealing the complexities of human nature and
emotions. Conflict can arise from a clash of desires, values, goals, or circumstances, and it often
leads to dramatic and intense moments in the play. It keeps the audience engaged and invested in
the outcome of the story.
All these components work together to bring a dramatic piece to life and engage the audience in
a captivating and immersive experience.
THEORIES OF DRAMA
There are several theories of drama that have been developed over time to analyze and
understand the art form. Some notable theories include Aristotle's Poetics, which explores the
elements of tragedy and the concept of catharsis; Bertolt Brecht's theory of epic theatre, which
emphasizes social and political messages and encourages audience engagement; and Antonin
Artaud's Theatre of Cruelty, which focuses on the use of physical and sensory experiences to
challenge and provoke the audience. Each theory offers unique perspectives on the purpose,
structure, and impact of drama, and they continue to influence theatrical practices and
interpretations.
The Ritual Origin Theory suggests that drama originated from ancient rituals and ceremonies.
It proposes that early forms of drama were closely tied to religious or communal rituals, serving as
a way to connect with the divine, commemorate important events, or reinforce social bonds. Over
time, these rituals evolved into more structured performances with defined roles and narratives,
eventually giving rise to the theatrical traditions we know today. This theory highlights the deep
cultural and symbolic significance of drama and its roots in communal practices.
ELEMENTS OF DRAMA
The plot of a story refers to the sequence of events that make up the narrative. It encompasses the
main storyline, the conflicts and challenges faced by the characters, and the resolution or outcome
of those conflicts. In other words, it's the structure and arrangement of the events that drive the
story forward and keep the audience engaged. The plot typically includes elements such as
exposition (introduction of characters and setting), rising action (development of conflicts and
complications), climax (the turning point or highest point of tension), falling action (events leading
to the resolution), and resolution (the final outcome or conclusion). The plot is like the backbone of
a story, providing the framework for the characters, themes, and overall dramatic arc.
The setting of a story refers to the time and place in which the events take place. It helps to
establish the context, atmosphere, and mood of the narrative. The setting can include physical
locations such as a city, a house, or a specific geographical area, as well as the time period in which
the story is set, whether it's the past, present, or future. The details of the setting can greatly impact
the story and influence the actions and experiences of the characters. By providing a vivid and
immersive setting, the audience can better visualize and connect with the story.
Theme refers to the underlying message or central idea explored in a story. It can be a
universal concept, a moral lesson, or a commentary on society. Themes can be expressed through
the actions and dialogue of the characters, the conflicts they face, and the overall development of
the plot. They often resonate with the audience, provoking thought and reflection. Themes can vary
widely, ranging from love and friendship to justice and redemption. Exploring different themes
allows writers to delve into deeper meanings and engage readers on a more profound level.
Character refers to the individuals who drive the story and bring it to life. They are the people
or beings depicted in a narrative, each with their own unique traits, personalities, and motivations.
Characters can be protagonists, antagonists, or supporting characters, and they interact with one
another to advance the plot and convey the themes of the story. Through their actions, dialogue, and
relationships, characters reveal their strengths, flaws, and growth throughout the narrative.
Well-developed and relatable characters can captivate readers and make the story more engaging.
DRAMATICS TECHNIQUE
Dramatic technique refers to the various tools and methods used in drama to create an impactful
and engaging performance. It encompasses a wide range of elements, such as dialogue, staging,
lighting, sound effects, and movement, that are employed to convey emotions, enhance storytelling,
and captivate the audience. Dramatic techniques can include techniques like foreshadowing,
dramatic irony, soliloquy, monologue, and breaking the fourth wall. These techniques serve to
heighten the dramatic tension, reveal character motivations, and provoke thought and emotional
responses from the audience.
Suspense, as a dramatic technique, is a powerful tool used to create anticipation, tension, and
excitement in a story or performance. It keeps the audience on the edge of their seats, eager to know
what will happen next. Suspense is often achieved through the skillful use of pacing, unexpected
twists and turns, and withholding crucial information. It can be found in various genres, such as
thrillers, mysteries, and horror. By building suspense, the storyteller or playwright keeps the
audience engaged and invested in the outcome of the narrative.
Comic relief, as a dramatic technique, is a clever way to lighten the mood and provide a
humorous break in a story or performance. It serves as a contrast to the serious or intense moments,
offering a momentary respite and allowing the audience to laugh and relax. Comic relief can take
the form of witty dialogue, funny situations, or amusing characters. It not only provides
entertainment but also helps to balance the overall tone of the narrative.
Flashback is a narrative technique used in storytelling where the sequence of events is
interrupted to show a scene or event that happened in the past. It provides additional context or
information to the current story, allowing the audience to gain a deeper understanding of the
characters or plot. Flashbacks can be used to reveal a character's backstory, explain motivations, or
create suspense. They often appear as memories or recollections of a character and help to enhance
the overall narrative structure.
Foreshadowing is a literary technique where subtle hints or clues are given to suggest future
events or outcomes in a story. It creates a sense of anticipation and prepares the reader for what is to
come. Foreshadowing can be achieved through dialogue, symbolism, imagery, or even through the
actions or behavior of characters. It adds depth and complexity to the narrative, allowing readers to
make connections and predictions as they progress through the story.
Dramatic irony is a dramatic technique where the audience knows something that the
characters in the story do not. It creates tension and suspense as the audience anticipates the
consequences of the characters' actions or decisions. This type of irony often leads to humorous or
tragic situations, depending on the context.
Deus ex machina is a narrative device where an unexpected or improbable event is introduced
to resolve a seemingly unsolvable problem or conflict in a story. It can be seen as a convenient plot
device that provides a quick and often unrealistic solution. While it can be used effectively in some
cases, it is often criticized for its lack of believability and undermining the overall narrative.
LEVELS WHERE DRAMA CAN BE USED
Drama can be used in various levels, such as in individual scenes, entire acts, or even
throughout an entire play or story. It can be incorporated into different genres of drama, like tragedy,
comedy, or tragicomedy. Drama can also be found in different forms of literature, including novels,
short stories, and poems. Each level offers unique opportunities to explore and convey emotions,
conflicts, and character development.
PERFORMANCE
Performance refers to the act of presenting or executing a piece of art, such as a play, concert, or
dance, in front of an audience. It involves the interpretation and portrayal of characters, emotions,
and ideas through various artistic mediums. Performances can take place in theaters, concert halls,
or even outdoor venues, and they often require rehearsal, preparation, and skillful execution.
Whether it's acting, singing, dancing, or playing an instrument, performances provide a platform
for artists to showcase their talents and connect with audiences.
COMPOSITION
Composition refers to the act of creating or constructing something, particularly in the context of
art or music. It involves arranging and organizing various elements, such as melodies, harmonies,
rhythms, or visual elements, to create a cohesive and meaningful whole. In music, composition
refers to the process of writing and arranging musical pieces, while in visual arts, it refers to the
arrangement of visual elements like colors, shapes, and textures. Composition allows artists to
express their creativity and convey their intended message or emotions through their work.
Compiled by Adams Oluwafifehanmi