Drama: An Overview

Drama, from the Greek word draein meaning “to do” or “to act,” is a unique type
of art within the performing arts. Unlike fiction or poetry, it involves not only
words but also non-verbal elements like stage setup, costumes, lighting, props,
actors’ expressions, and movements. It’s intended for performance, making it
distinct from purely written genres. Here’s a closer look at its history and
different types.

Historical Overview of Drama

1. Ancient Greece:
Drama began in religious ceremonies, especially those honoring Dionysos, the
Greek god of wine. In 5th century BC Greece, plays known as tragedies and
comedies were performed at festivals for Dionysos. Playwrights like
Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Aristophanes created plays that became
foundational for Western drama.
2. Medieval Times:
After the Roman Empire fell, drama lost popularity. But it reappeared in the
Middle Ages in the form of mystery and miracle plays, which were religious
plays performed outside churches and in town squares. These plays shared
Christian stories to entertain and teach the public.
3. Renaissance Drama:
During the Renaissance, people rediscovered Greek and Roman literature,
leading to a new era in drama. In England, playwrights like William
Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe reached new heights with works that
explored human nature and moral questions. Many Renaissance plays also
commented on contemporary society through historical or mythological tales.
4. Restoration Drama:
In 1649, England’s Puritan government banned theater for moral reasons. But
with the monarchy restored in 1660, theaters reopened, and a new type of
drama called comedy of manners became popular. Playwrights like William
Congreve and William Wycherley used wit and satire to portray the upper
class.
5. Romantic and Closet Drama:
The Romantic era brought closet drama, plays meant to be read rather than
performed. Percy Bysshe Shelley’s Prometheus Unbound is an example.
Romantic plays emphasized individualism, nature, and imagination.
6. Realism and Naturalism:
In the late 19th century, drama shifted to focus on real-life social issues. Writers
like George Bernard Shaw and Oscar Wilde created plays about everyday
people and social challenges. Realism aimed to portray life as authentically as
possible.
7. Modernism and Absurdism:
In the 20th century, drama became even more experimental. Expressionist
Theater and Theater of the Absurd moved away from realism and focused
on abstract, symbolic ideas. Playwrights like Samuel Beckett (Waiting for
Godot) and Tom Stoppard (Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead)
questioned traditional storytelling, often exploring deep, existential themes.

Types of Drama

1. Tragedy:
Tragedy deals with serious, often sad themes. Aristotle defined tragedy as a form
that should evoke pity and fear, leading to a sense of emotional release.
Greek tragedies like those of Sophocles, and later plays like Shakespeare’s
Hamlet, are famous examples.
2. Comedy:
Comedy deals with lighter, humorous themes, usually ending happily. It often
includes themes of rebirth or renewal, symbolized by events like weddings.
Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing is an example of a comedy that
brings a happy resolution after conflicts.
3. History Play:
History plays dramatize historical events or figures. Shakespeare’s Henry V and
Richard III, for instance, bring English history to the stage while reflecting on
broader themes like power and morality.
4. Tragicomedy:
Tragicomedy combines elements of tragedy and comedy, featuring both serious
and humorous situations. Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale is an example that
mixes sorrow with a happy ending.
5. Comedy of Manners:
Popular during the Restoration period, this type of play satirizes the behaviors of
high society, using clever dialogue and satire. William Congreve’s The Way of
the World is a well-known example.
6. Closet Drama:
This form, popular in the Romantic era, was meant to be read privately rather
than performed on stage. Percy Bysshe Shelley’s Prometheus Unbound is an
example.
7. Expressionist and Absurdist Drama:
These types of drama focus on abstract and surreal themes, often questioning
the meaning of life. Beckett’s Waiting for Godot is a classic example, using
repetitive actions and unusual dialogue to convey existential themes.
8. Political Theater:
Political theater critiques social issues and injustices. Plays like Clifford Odets’
Waiting for Lefty and Arthur Miller’s The Crucible use drama to raise
awareness of social and political problems.
Drama has evolved to mirror changes in society and culture, from ancient
religious ceremonies to today’s diverse and experimental styles. Its various
forms continue to explore human experiences and bring powerful stories to
life on stage.

This text provides a comprehensive overview of the various elements of drama,

focusing on three main phases: text, transformation, and performance. Here’s a
summary of each section:

a) Text

The textual dimension of drama centers around dialogue, monologue, and

asides, which convey essential information to the audience. Key plot elements—
exposition, complication, climax, and denouement—are derived from classical
theories of drama, emphasizing the three unities of time, place, and action.
These unities dictate that the action should occur within a limited timeframe, in a
single location, and follow a linear plot structure. Although traditionally
associated with Aristotle, these concepts were adapted during the Renaissance.
Shakespeare’s works often deviated from these rigid rules, showcasing a more
fluid approach to plot and setting.

The text also explores the division of plays into acts and scenes, which facilitate
changes in time and place while maintaining unity within a scene. The Theater of
the Absurd challenges traditional plot structures, presenting illogical or absurd
scenarios, as exemplified by Samuel Beckett’s “Waiting for Godot,” which lacks a
conventional climax or resolution.

b) Transformation

Transformation refers to the process of turning the written text into performance,
involving directing and all preparatory steps leading to the production. The role
of the director emerged in the late 19th century, becoming crucial for artistic
coordination. Directors select scripts, conceptualize the production, cast actors,
and manage rehearsals.

The evolution of the director’s role is illustrated through examples such as

Konstantin Stanislavsky and Max Reinhardt, who influenced modern directing
styles. This section discusses the historical context of theater design, including
the transition from classical amphitheaters to the proscenium stage, which
emphasizes realism and the fourth wall. Directors must also adapt elements of
space and scenery to reflect the themes and intentions of the play, utilizing both
verbal and non-verbal expressions.

c) Performance

The performance phase highlights the actor’s role in conveying the combined
vision of the author and director. Acting techniques have evolved, focusing on
two main methods: the external method (imitation) and the internal method
(identification with the character). Method acting, popularized by Stanislavsky,
emphasizes emotional authenticity and has influenced many notable actors.

The interaction among characters in drama is essential, with the chorus playing a
significant role in classical performances. Gender dynamics are also explored,
noting that historically, female roles were played by men, a practice that
persisted until the 17th century. The text concludes by drawing parallels
between theater and film, emphasizing how the transformation process differs
between the two mediums.

Overall, this comprehensive exploration of drama examines the interplay

between text, directing, and performance, showcasing the complexities and
evolution of theatrical production.