Overview
This lecture covered the core differences between drama and play, the structure and key characteristics of a one-act play, and offered practical steps for writing a one-act play. It also included class participation and a Christmas message challenge.
Recap of Previous Lesson: Staging Modalities
- Identified four types of theater stages: Flexible, Proscenium, Arena, and Thrust.
- Flexible stages are adaptable for audience movement.
- Proscenium stages are common and prestigious, often seen in classic plays.
- Arena stages allow audience interaction from all sides.
- Thrust stages extend into the audience on three sides.
Drama vs. Play
- Drama is literature written in dialogue form for performance, originating from the Greek word "dran" (to do).
- Play is a dramatic performance on stage; drama is the written script, play is the performed version.
One-Act Play Characteristics
- A one-act play is a short dramatic work with only one act, usually 2-3 characters, and 30-45 minutes runtime.
- It is a training ground for beginner playwrights due to simple setting and limited cast.
- Focuses on a problem of everyday life (e.g., love, justice, labor, customs).
- Shares elements with short stories: setting, characters, conflict, plot (beginning, middle, end).
Structure of a One-Act Play
- Exposition: Brief introduction to characters, setting, and situation.
- Conflict: The central problem driving the drama.
- Climax: The peak and turning point of the story.
- Denouement: The resolution following the climax.
- Ending: Satisfying conclusion, resolving the central issue or showing character change.
Steps to Writing a One-Act Play
- Decide on the main topic or problem for the play.
- Create detailed profiles for each character.
- Describe the setting and necessary background.
- Write a brief exposition introducing the characters and context.
- Present the conflict immediately after the exposition.
- Build towards and write the climax, the story’s most intense moment.
- Provide a resolution that offers closure for the audience.
Example: Excerpt from "Call Me Flory"
- Setting: San Lorenzo Village, a high-end area.
- Characters: Florencia (Flory), previously poor; Matilde, wealthy and charitable; Angge, a poor woman revealing truths about Flory.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Drama — A literary work intended for performance, written in dialogue form.
- Play — A dramatic work performed on stage.
- One-Act Play — A short play with a single act, limited characters, and simple setting.
- Exposition — The introduction of characters and setting.
- Conflict — The central problem in the story.
- Climax — The highest point of dramatic tension.
- Denouement — The resolution of the conflict.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Write and post a heartfelt Christmas message using the hashtag #creativewriting and tag a special person.
- Prepare to continue learning about one-act plays in the next session in January.