Overview
The lecture focused on the essentials of writing a one-act play, including definitions, structural requirements, and writing tips, culminating in a creative challenge for students to draft their own one-act play proposal.
Announcements & Recap
- Recognition given to students for outstanding intertextual scripts and challenge participation.
- Reviewed the concepts of deliberate (D) and latent (L) intertextuality through examples.
One-Act Play: Definition & Structure
- A one-act play takes place in one location, over no more than one day, with one central plot.
- Typical duration is about 10 to 40 minutes, but it should feel like a complete story.
- One-act plays are concise, making them recommended for beginning playwrights before attempting longer works.
Elements of a One-Act Play
- Setting: Only one scene/location, but must be vividly described for the audience to experience the story.
- Characters: Limited to four or fewer, with distinct motivations and personalities; avoid complex character arcs.
- Conflict: Choose a conflict that can be resolved within the short time frame of the play.
- Dialogue: Dialogue should reveal character motivations and advance the plot; no narrators are used.
- Plot: Must have a clear beginning, middle, and end, resembling a short story structure.
- Character development is shown through action and dialogue, not narration.
Example & Application
- "The World is an Apple" by Alberto S. Florentino was used as an example of a one-act play, with student readings highlighting the elements discussed.
Key Terms & Definitions
- One-act play — A short play focusing on one location, one period of time, and a single main plot.
- Setting — The time and place where the story occurs.
- Character motivation — The reasons behind a character’s actions and desires.
- Conflict — The main problem or struggle that drives the plot.
- Intertextuality — When a text references or is influenced by another text, deliberately (D) or latently (L).
Action Items / Next Steps
- Write a one-act play proposal with: description of setting, at least two character profiles, and a plot synopsis.
- Post the proposal using the hashtag #IntellectCreativeWriting.
- Review playwriting notes for next session.