Chapter 6 Varieties of Drama

Tragedy The protagonist fails to achieve goals, is overcome by opposing forces, often dies The protagonist fails to achieve goals, is overcome by opposing forces, often dies Sober, thoughtful plays that are based on profound human emotions and conflicts that do not change with time or place Sober, thoughtful plays that are based on profound human emotions and conflicts that do not change with time or place Based on Aristotle’s rules (tragic flaw, unities, catharsis) Based on Aristotle’s rules (tragic flaw, unities, catharsis)

comedy Protagonist “wins” Protagonist “wins” Humorous characters and situations Humorous characters and situations Happy ending Happy ending Based on “thought” Based on “thought” Comes from Greek word “komos” meaning “revel song” Comes from Greek word “komos” meaning “revel song”

Tragicomedies – plays that have qualities of both tragedy and comedy Tragicomedies – plays that have qualities of both tragedy and comedy Dramas – plays that do not fit the definition of tragedy but are serious in nature are simply called dramas. Dramas – plays that do not fit the definition of tragedy but are serious in nature are simply called dramas.

7 causes of laughter Exaggeration Exaggeration Overstatement in dialogue, action, or physical characteristics Overstatement in dialogue, action, or physical characteristics Understatement Understatement

incongruity Anything that is out of time, place, or character Anything that is out of time, place, or character

Anticipation Looking forward to a potential laugh Looking forward to a potential laugh At least 3 exposures – the plant, establish, and the clinch At least 3 exposures – the plant, establish, and the clinch

Ambiguity Double meaning Double meaning Puns Puns

Recognition Discovering hidden or obscure meanings Discovering hidden or obscure meanings “getting it” “getting it”

Protection Knowing that cruel, violent, grotesque and abusive actions and events are not real Knowing that cruel, violent, grotesque and abusive actions and events are not real

Relief Anything humorous used to release built up pressure (often used in tragedies) Anything humorous used to release built up pressure (often used in tragedies)

Types of comedy Low – quite physical, sometimes vulgar, and highly exaggerated Low – quite physical, sometimes vulgar, and highly exaggerated Farce – clowning, practical jokes, “slapstick,” improbable characters and situations Farce – clowning, practical jokes, “slapstick,” improbable characters and situations Burlesque – mocks a broad topic Burlesque – mocks a broad topic Caricature – impersonations – often exaggerations of physical features or personality traits Caricature – impersonations – often exaggerations of physical features or personality traits

Middle comedy – humor that appeals to the heart Middle comedy – humor that appeals to the heart Romantic comedy Romantic comedy Melodrama – flawless hero + evil villain Melodrama – flawless hero + evil villain

High comedy – very intellectual High comedy – very intellectual Comedy of manners Comedy of manners Satire Satire Clever lines, word play, and allusions Clever lines, word play, and allusions

Style theatrical conventions Representational – “fourth wall” theater The play is performed as if the audience were watching through an imaginary fourth wall. (most common) Representational – “fourth wall” theater The play is performed as if the audience were watching through an imaginary fourth wall. (most common) Presentational – acknowledges that an audience is present. Characters may even address the audience. Presentational – acknowledges that an audience is present. Characters may even address the audience. Avant-garde – new experimental styles of any art form Avant-garde – new experimental styles of any art form

Styles of Drama Classicism – based on Greek, Roman, or Shakespearean theater Classicism – based on Greek, Roman, or Shakespearean theater Fantasy – unreal characters in imaginary time and place Fantasy – unreal characters in imaginary time and place Romanticism – shows life as it could be Romanticism – shows life as it could be Realism – shows life as it is Realism – shows life as it is Naturalism – realism to the extreme “no holds barred” Naturalism – realism to the extreme “no holds barred”

Symbolism – where at least one element represent something else Symbolism – where at least one element represent something else Expressionism – the uselessness of human hopes in the face of the evils of the modern age – social injustice Expressionism – the uselessness of human hopes in the face of the evils of the modern age – social injustice Impressionism – shows the inner reactions of characters under great stress Impressionism – shows the inner reactions of characters under great stress

Theater of involvement – audience participation Theater of involvement – audience participation Theater of the absurd – deal with the “absurdity” of life Theater of the absurd – deal with the “absurdity” of life

Special styles Children’s theater – written, designed, and performed for children Children’s theater – written, designed, and performed for children Puppet theater – Puppet theater – Monodrama – “one man show” Monodrama – “one man show”