Understanding Drama: Features, Elements, and Forms

Key Features of Drama

1. Inseparable Link Between Text and Performance: Drama features a dual stage design, meaning the written text is intrinsically linked to its theatrical representation. While the text can be read individually, its true dimension is realized on stage.
2. Use of Verbal and Non-Verbal Codes: The staging process involves a variety of codes, including verbal (dialogue) and non-verbal elements like lighting and costumes.
3. Collective Communication: Drama is a collective communicative process, both in its creation (involving the author, stage manager, and others) and its reception (while individual reading is possible, the primary experience is collective, in a theater).

Theatrical Elements

Elements of the Written Text

• Text A: This includes dialogues, soliloquies, and asides, all written in direct style.
• Text B: This comprises stage directions or information provided by the author regarding the setting, actions, and characters' emotions.

Elements of Theatrical Performance

• Stage Director: Oversees the artistic and technical aspects of the production.
• Actors: Portray the characters and bring the text to life.
• Scenery: Includes the set design, lighting, and other visual elements that create the play's environment.

Theatrical Forms

The Birth of Tragedy

The ditirambo, a choral song dedicated to the god Dionysus, was the primitive form that gave rise to tragedy. Initially, an "actor" narrated a hero's deeds. Over time, this "actor" assumed the hero's role, accompanied by a chorus that also participated as a character.

Performing Genres

Major Forms

• Tragedy: A subgenre featuring illustrious and heroic characters often dominated by their passions. Their actions typically lead to a miserable and unfortunate end.
• Comedy: In contrast to tragedy, comedy features characters from all social classes, predominantly from the middle and lower classes. Comedies aim to entertain and sometimes critique societal issues through humor. They are characterized by happy endings.
• Tragicomedy: This subgenre blends elements of tragedy and comedy, featuring tense situations and actions. The outcome can be either happy or unhappy, and characters come from all social classes.

Minor Forms

• Auto Sacramental: A composition based on biblical episodes, religious mysteries, and moral or theological conflicts.
• Farce: A comedic piece designed to make the audience laugh.
• Entremés: A short, one-act comedic play with a humorous plot.
• Sainete: Typically a comedic play, though it can be serious. It often ridicules social vices and conventions.