The Complete Guide to Theatre: History, Structure, and Elements
Theatrical Production
Production Phases
- Authoring: The playwright writes the text, including dialogue, monologues, and stage directions.
- Directing: The director interprets the text, adapts it for the stage, and guides the actors.
- Acting: Actors portray characters through verbal and nonverbal expression, costumes, makeup, and hair.
- Technical Design: Stage management creates the physical environment, including set design, props, lighting, and sound.
The Audience
The audience receives the work, engages with the performance, and participates in the shared experience.
Elements of Theatre
Literary Elements
- Dialogue: Verbal exchanges between characters, driving the plot and revealing character.
- Stage Directions: Author’s instructions regarding staging, performance, and setting.
Structural Elements
External Structure
- Act: A major division of the play.
- Scene: A subdivision of an act, often marked by changes in time or setting.
Internal Structure
- Exposition: Introduction of characters, setting, and the potential for conflict.
- Rising Action: Development and escalation of the conflict.
- Climax: The moment of highest tension in the play.
- Falling Action: Events following the climax, leading to the resolution.
- Resolution: The outcome of the conflict.
Dramatic Tension
A key element that captures and maintains the audience’s interest through moments of excitement and suspense.
- Exciting Moments: Advance the plot and create anticipation.
- Retardant Moments: Delay the outcome, build tension, and provide context.
Action
Driven by cause-and-effect relationships, action progresses through dialogue and stage directions.
Conflict
An essential element that drives the action and shapes the play’s development. Conflict can be:
- Tragic
- Comic
- And various other forms
Characters
Represent human types with specific attributes, revealed through:
- Dialogue
- Actions
- Interactions with other characters
Character Types
- Protagonist: The main character who drives the plot and resolves conflicts.
- Antagonist: Opposes the protagonist and creates conflict.
- Supporting Characters: Help or hinder the protagonist in their goals.
Dialogue
Verbal exchange between two or more characters, serving various functions:
- Advance the plot
- Reveal character
- Provide context
- Create mood and atmosphere
Types of Dialogue
- Monologue: A long speech by one character, revealing their thoughts and feelings.
- Aside: A brief remark spoken directly to the audience, unheard by other characters.
Functions of Dialogue
- Technical: Conveys information or backstory.
- Lyrical: Expresses emotions and feelings.
- Reflective: Reveals thoughts, opinions, and inner conflicts.
Language
The vehicle of communication in theatre, adapting to the play’s style and context.
Characteristics of Theatrical Language
- Varied tone
- Frequent use of exclamations and questions
- Short, impactful sentences
- Vivid imagery and figurative language
A Brief History of Theatre
Ancient Theatre
- Originated in ancient Greece and Rome.
- Gave rise to tragedy and comedy.
- Tragedy: Explores human suffering and the inevitability of fate. (e.g., Sophocles’ “Oedipus Rex”)
- Comedy: Aims to entertain and provoke laughter, often with satirical or farcical elements. (e.g., Works of Plautus)
Medieval Theatre
- Dominated by religious dramas, such as mystery plays and miracle plays.
- Introduced non-religious elements like farces for entertainment.
Modern Theatre
- Marked a shift from religious themes to secular dramas.
- Renaissance drama revived classical Greek and Roman models.
- Popular theatre emerged, catering to a wider audience.
- The 17th century saw the rise of renowned playwrights like Shakespeare, Calderon, and Moliere.
19th Century Theatre
- Characterized by Romanticism and Realism.
- Explored subjective experiences and social issues.
20th Century Theatre
- Embraced experimentation and innovation.
- Incorporated new technologies and artistic forms.
- Addressed themes of social injustice, existentialism, and the search for meaning.