Welcome! In our Literature class today, we will be looking at the topic “Drama”. Do have great time studying with us!

Lesson Note:

Subject: Literature In English

Topic: Drama

Learning Objectives: By the end of the lesson, the learners should be able to:

  1. Explain the term drama;
  2. Mention and discuss the types of drama;
  3. State the characteristics of a drama;
  4. State the importance of drama;
  5. Present any form of drama under the guideline of the teacher or professional;
  6. Identify the elements of drama.

DISCUSSIONS

INTRODUCTION TO DRAMA

What is Drama?

Drama is the specific mode of fiction represented in performance. The term comes from a Greek word meaning “action”, which is derived from the verb meaning “to do” or “to act”. The enactment of drama in theatre, performed by actors on a stage before an audience, presupposes collaborative modes of production and a collective form of reception. The structure of dramatic texts, unlike other forms of literature, is directly influenced by this collaborative production and collective reception.

Types of Drama

(a) Tragedy: Tragedy is one of the oldest form of drama; however, its meaning has changed since the earliest days of staged plays. In ancient times, a tragedy was often an historical dramas featuring The downfall of a great man. In modern theater, the definition is a bit looser. Tragedy usually involves serious subject matter and the death of one or more main characters. These plays rarely have a happy ending.
(b) Comedy: When we talk about comedy, we usually refer to plays that are light in tone, and that typically have happy endings. The intent of a comedic play is to make the audience laugh. In modern theater, there are many different styles of comedy, ranging from realistic stories, where the humour is derived from real-life situations, to outrageous slapstick humour.
(c) Farce: Farce is a sub-category of comedy, characterized by greatly exaggerated characters and situations. Characters tend to be one dimensional and often follow stereotypical behaviour. Farces typically involve mistaken identities, lots of physical comedy and outrageous plot twists.
(d) Tragic-comedy: Tragic comedy is a play that starts with a tragedy and end with happy ending.
(e) Melodrama: Melodrama is another type of exaggerated drama. As farce, the characters tend to be simplified and one-dimensional. The formulaic storyline of the classic melodrama typically involves a villian heroine, and a hero who must rescue then heroine from the villian.
(f) Musical: In musical theater, the story is told not only through dialogue and acting but through music and dance. Musicals are often comedic, although many do involve serious subject matter. Most involve a large cast and lavish sets and costumes.
(g) Playlet: A play is a form of literature written by a playwright, usually consisting of scripted dialogue between characters, intended for theatrical performance rather than just reading. Plays are performed at a variety of levels, from Broadway, Off-Broadway, regional theater, to community theatre, as well as University or school productions. There are dramatists, notably George Bernard Shaw, who have had little preference whether their plays were performed or read. The term “play” can refer to both the written works of playwrights and to their complete theatrical performance.

IMPORTANCE OF DRAMA

i. Drama encourages kids to work collaboratively. They take part in activities where they must rely on each other and learn to trust.
ii. Drama is a wonderful way for children to interact with, and interpret literature, or text of any sort. They get opportunities to analyze how a character’s personality, motives and actions influence plot. This can be as simple as understanding and portraying the fear that a piggy feels when confronted by a wolf. Some kids who think they don’t like books will find their way to reading by dramatizing a story or poem.
iii. Drama develops communication skills. Kids learn how to use their face, voice and body movements to get a message across to any audience, whether it be at a job interview, on stage, or with a group of friends.
iv. Drama allows kids to practise many of the higher order thinking skills in a playful context. They must think critically, apply knowledge to new situations, analyze, solve problems, make decisions, collaborate – all skills that will benefit not just their reading and writing, but every core subject at school.
v. Drama prepares kids for real life. In our rush to have children acquire academic learning, we often forget their personal and social development. The emphasis in drama is on being a team member and working collaboratively rather than hogging the limelight for yourself. Kids are expected to be active, reflective, flexible, responsible and responsive – all skills that will benefit them in every facet of their lives.
vi. Drama gives kids an outlet for their creativity. Not every child can wild a paintbrush to their own satisfaction or play an instrument like a virtuoso. Drama is a level playing field. I have seen so many children blossom in drama classes.
vii. Drama encourages self-discipline. It might look and sound messy and noisy but it isn’t a mayhem. It’s not about putting yourself first. It’s about working as a group.
viii. Drama gives us a way to gain understanding of others. We learn tolerance by walking a mile in another’s shoes, and drama is a way to do that.

See 2022 WAEC past questions with solutions on Literature in English

CHARACTERISTICS OF DRAMA

(a)Drama is meant to be acted on stage.
(b) Action is involved in drama.
(c)Drama is written in Acts and Scenes.
(d) Drama is watched by audience.

Done studying? See all previous lessons on Literature in English

Take a quick test for this lesson

  1. What do you understand by the term drama?
  2. Mention and discuss the types of drama.
  3. State the characteristics of a drama.
  4. State the importance of drama.
  5. What are the elements of drama?

Questions answered correctly? Bravo! Do state connected to itsyschoollibrary.com for more educational contents.

2020 Literature In English Scheme Of Work For SS3 First Term And Second Term

2020 WAEC And JAMB Approved Literatures And Their Summary Analysis

See also WAEC past questions and answers on literature in English