Overview
This lecture covers the elements, techniques, and literary devices in drama, with a focus on the types of drama, key dramatists, and their works. It also includes a challenge to write a play proposal.
Introduction to Drama
- Drama is literature intended for performance on stage before an audience.
- Playwrights or dramatists are writers of drama or plays.
- Drama differs from fiction and poetry as it is meant to be acted out, not just read.
Notable Playwrights and Masterpieces
- William Shakespeare — greatest playwright, wrote "Romeo and Juliet," "Hamlet," and more.
- Severino Reyes (Lola Basyang) — Filipino playwright, wrote 24 zarzuelas and 22 plays.
- Liza C. Magtoto — known for "Game of Trolls," "Care Divas," "Rock of Ages."
- Oscar Wilde — Irish poet, famous for "The Importance of Being Earnest."
- Victor Hugo — author of "Les Misérables," "The Hunchback of Notre Dame."
- Virginia Moreno — wrote "Onyx Wolf" and "La Loba Negra."
Differences: Drama, Fiction, and Poetry
- Drama: No narrator, relies on dialogue and action.
- Fiction: Has narrator and inner thoughts; can include dialogue.
- Poetry: Focuses on verse and figurative language; not always staged.
Types of Drama
- Comedy: Depicts comical situations, aims to amuse with happy endings. E.g., "The Merchant of Venice."
- Tragedy: Features serious themes, tragic hero, evokes pity and fear. E.g., "Romeo and Juliet."
- Farce: Centers on improbable situations, exaggerated humor, physical comedy. E.g., "The Comedy of Errors," "Home Alone."
- Melodrama: Uses exaggerated characters/events, often good vs. evil. E.g., "Zarzuela," "Senakulo."
- Musical Drama: Story told through dialogue, dance, and song. E.g., "The Phantom of the Opera."
- Docudrama: Dramatizes real events, also called documentary theater. E.g., "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho."
Assessment and Example Activities
- Quiz identifies types of drama based on characteristics.
- Students practiced classifying plays and matching examples.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Drama — A literary form designed for performance before an audience.
- Playwright/Dramatist — An author of plays/drama.
- Comedy — Drama type focused on humor and happy endings.
- Tragedy — Drama type focused on human suffering with a sad ending.
- Farce — A comic dramatic work with exaggerated situations.
- Melodrama — Sensational drama with exaggerated characters/events.
- Musical Drama — Drama where dialogue is partly sung and includes dance.
- Docudrama — Drama based on real-life events.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Write a 3–5 sentence play proposal (include title, type, short description).
- Post your proposal using the hashtag #creativewriting.
- Submit before next Tuesday’s session.