Introduction to Drama

Introduction to Drama  

“Life is a theatre set in which there are but few practicable entrances.” 
― Victor Hugo, Les Misérables 

Victor quoted that life is a theatre, therefore we can see that most of our everyday actions are dramas. Drama is one of the literary genre that consist of 4 important organic unity which is introduced by Aristotle, plot, setting, characters and the theme of the play. Based on the Portable Legacies (2009: 1158), the writers have stated that theatre existed in human cultures long before recorded history. Societies developed dramatic rituals with characters, costumes, makeup, masks, settings and special efforts to educate, entertain, initiate, worship the gods, and control the environment. Most of the drama in the pasta is mostly used to fulfil a ritual ceremony. This is also applicable to animated picture drama as well as the conventional stage playing. 

Types of Dramas

1. Tragedy
Aristotle has stated that a tragedy is the simulation of actions which has an important role; together with the use of beautiful language as well as the unity of length of tragedy. Tragedy will arouse a dramatic situation that allows the audience to sympathize and fear of the characters in the play due to "hamartia" (character's weaknesses). The emotions of sympathies and fear are the result of the purgation of catharsis. In Elizabethan play, the Renaissance drama ends with death and the downfall of some noble person due to his flaw in his character. Modern tragedy does not always end with death and often displays the weak and mean character instead of the strong character. 

2. Comedy
Comedy is the lighter drama in which the main characters managed to go through the obstacles that temporarily impeded their progress. When comedy becomes more absurd or amusing without concern the moral values, it becomes a farce. 

3. Fantasy
A play sometimes, but not always, in comic spirit in which the author gives free reign to his fantasy, allowing things to happen without regard to reality.

4. Melodrama
Like farce, melodrama pays almost no attention to human values, but its object is to give a thrill instead of a laugh. Melodrama is often good entertainment.

Types of Drama of Historical Interest:

1. Medieval mystery plays -- The play that contains "biblical stories" and "allegorical mysteries".
2. Chronicle plays -- The play that has taken from historical scenes and characters.
3. Masques -- The play that has singing, dancing and costuming. It is usually allegorical.

References:

The Quotations about Theatre: Victor Hugo

http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/theatre

Paredes. US, Aristotle's Definition of Tragedy, n.d, 6th October 2013
         http://www.paredes.us/tragedy.html

Life Stream Center, Drama, n.d, 6th October
         http://drb.lifestreamcenter.net/Lessons/Drama.htm

Jan Zlotnik Schmidt & Lynne Crockett, Portable Legacies: Fiction, Poetry, Drama, Nonfiction, First Edition: Drama, Micheal Rosemberg, Wadsworth, Cengage Learning. (2009: 1158)


Image of Masks in Ancient Greek
https://www.google.com.my/search? q=ancient+greek+drama+masks&espv=210&es_sm=122&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=V6V0Ur6LCoWCrgfBlYGYBg&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAQ&biw=1092&bih=480