DRAMAand THEATER
4.4. PIANO DRAMA-confined in the interpretation of music through piano
Drama
· Is an elaborative and descriptive detailing of events, scenes and acts of a
particular type of story that can be either in terms of prose or poetry, fictitious
and mostly based from real-life situations.
· It is written primarily to be performed wherein the dramatization of human
experience, the actors present the words and the deeds of the characters to
create an impression in which a distinct type of story is taking place before an
audience.
Types of Drama
1. TRAGEDY–one of the literature ’ s“
Greatest Dramat ic Art Forms”because of the
serious nature of the characters, composed of sad scenes, full of sufferings and
sacrifices with a disastrous ending.
2. MELODRAMA–it gives more emphasis on the action rather than on the character
which is very sensational, romantic, with a happy ending.
3. COMEDY–all plays/dramas with happy endings.
3.1. ROMANTICCOMEDY–it is a light and amusing tale of lovers in some
dilemma which is finally solved happily.
3.2. FARCE –it is a light and humorous play that is composed of jokes,
humorous physical actions, ludicrous situations and improbable characters (
Characters which are not likely to be true ).
3.3. COMEDYOF MANNERS –considered as “Drawing Room Comedy”
wherein the characters are usually high society types, used of witty,
sophisticated, satirical and sarcastic dialogue depicting real life situations.
4. MISCELLANEOUS :
4.1. TRAGICOMEDY–a combination or blend of tragic and comic elements but
still it ends happily.
4.2. MIRACLE/MYSTERYPLAYS –based from Holy Scriptures, Bible Stories, or
lives of saints.
4.3. MORALITYPLAY-character represents specific vices and virtues.
works as well as the recitation of poetry.
4.5. MUSICALPLAY–Dramas confined with the use of music, song and even
dance performances with limited dialogue of the characters.
4.6. CLOSET DRAMA –a term used to designate dramas or plays writt en for
reading rather than for staging. ( E.g. Pocketbooks ).
ELEMENTS OFDRAMA/THEATER
1. PLOT –the brief sequencing of events and incidents of which a story is composed
wherein the basis could be either the conflict, struggle, or the problem within.
2. CHARACTERS –the participants/ artist / actors in the story that portray certain role
endowed to them by the writer and the director with physical, emotional, and
intellectual qualities.
TYPES OF CHARACTERS
A. PROTAGONIST –the main character/s in the story that is being surrounded
with problems and issues depending upon the type of drama or story.
B. ANTAGONIST –the so – called “
villain”that opposed the actions and
decisions conducted by the protagonist.
C. CONFIDANT –a character that is closely related to the main character with
similar ideas, actions, and decisions.
D. FOIL–a character that is also closely related to the protagonist but his
actions are in contrast to the main character.
3. THOUGHT–it is compose of the main idea/s and emotions telling the entiretyof a
story.
4. LANGUAGE–it is composed of the dialogue or the conversation of the characters in
the story that can be either in prose or in poetry type.
TYPES OF DIALOGUE
A. NATURALISTICDIALOGUE –refers to the actual way that people talk or the
normal/usual/ daily conversation of individuals.

B. RHETORICAL DIALOGUE –it is high flown, florid and oratorical

C. VERSEDIALOGUE –it makes use of certain conventions of poetry with

certain rhyme and meter.

5. THEME–it is the meaning of the story that is either directly or indirectly stated. The
Stat ed Theme is considered as the “
heart of the play”.

6. CLIMAXand DENOUEMENT–it refers to the highest peak of the story that is

composed of intense feelings and emotions while denouement is the “ unravelling”of
the plot that is about the success or failure of the decisions conducted by the
characters in the story.

7. MUSICand SPECTACLE –it serve as the background music or usually the original
sound track of the drama or the “
theme song” , while spectacle serves as distinct
sound/s for every speech and movements of the characters to heighten the
atmosphere of the story and intensifies emotions whether it is vitality, terror,
happiness, melancholy, or sorrow.

8. COSTUMES and MAKE-UP –composed of appropriate dresses, wardrobes, apparels

and other accessories of all types and facial coloring depending upon the character or
role in the story that enhances the moods and interests of both characters and the
audience.

9. SCENERY and LIGHTING –includes realistic view of furniture-painted backdrops,

large props and other effects. Lighting devices provide certain mood and emotion in
the drama or to make emphasis about the details of the story. ( E.G. Bright Colors are
pink, yellow, white/Dull Colors are blue and green emphasizing “ cold effect”/Red and
Purple may produce mysterious effect).