Understanding Drama and Theater: Key Characteristics
Characteristics of Drama and Theater
We can define theater as the macrosystem in which the message is not required reading as with the novel but is supported in other languages besides the verbal and the iconic, gestural, musical, etc.
Key Elements of Theatrical Text
The Action:
The existence of a conflict, issue, or matter of discussion and interpretation.
Structure:
Divided into internal and external structure:
Internal Structure:
Formed by acts and scenes. Each act is a part where the action is divided, and its end is indicated by the fall of the curtain or lighting change. A scene changes when a character enters or leaves the stage.
External Structure:
Characterized by following the scheme of introduction or approach and conflict, development of the action node to reach the moment of greatest tension and outcome or final resolution of the conflict.
Characters:
Those involved are characterized by physical and psychological evolution, function, and whether they are protagonists or antagonists.
The Space:
Consists of the locations of the dramatic action and may be singular when the action takes place in one location or multiple when set in several places.
Time:
In a play, we distinguish two types:
- When the action occurs.
- How long the action takes:
We distinguish between real time and dramatic time:
- Real time: The time lag in the action.
- Dramatic time: What the aggregate takes, typically ranging from one to three hours.
Language:
Consists of dialogues, monologues, and stage directions.
Dialogue:
Discussions between the characters.
Monologue:
Occurs when the character is not directing their speech to any other character for an answer.
Stage Directions: The author uses stage directions to give information about the scenery and the actions of characters.
Key Elements of Theatrical Production
The Sets:
They can be realistic, symbolist, expressionist, etc. The sets become important, including materials used in the theater scene.
The Wardrobe:
May be realistic, naturalistic, etc., and can be based on the use of masks, shapes, and colors.
Sound:
Another piece of theatrical production, may be direct or recorded with voice-over.
Light:
Its value is paramount in the organization of stage space and working with different colors, brightness, and shadows.
Interpretation:
It may be realistic or expressionist and is based on the tastes, voices, expressions, and choreography.
Direction:
Responsible for bringing coherence to all the elements involved in setting the scene.
Main Subgenres of Drama
These fall into plays, major theater, and minor works, taking utmost importance in tragedy and comedy mainly.
Tragedy
Can be classified as the theatrical embodiment of the tragic vision of existence. Its protagonists are often hero-gods who cannot escape their tragic fate and are drawn to an unhappy ending. The viewer does not usually feel compassion but learns to accept the human condition as it is, and critics of the theater are treated accordingly because they try to keep the power holders.
Comedy
The configuration of the comic vision of existence; the figures are of lower social status than those of the tragedy. In comedy, there is criticism of the deities of the world and the man who speaks and accepts them and laughs at himself and, therefore, is prepared to overcome them, thus “conforming” to the tragedy by simply dealing with what can be changed in the world and in humans.