Drama: May 29, 2024 Issue [#12568]
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 This week: Drama Through the Ages
  Edited by: NaNoKit Author IconMail Icon
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Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

What drama stories do you think future generations will tell?

Much has changed over the centuries, yet more remains the same...

This week's Drama Newsletter, then, is all about drama through the ages.

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Word from our sponsor

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Letter from the editor

When it comes to art, the Ancient Greeks were not so different to us. Greek comedy poked fun at Greek culture, and well-known personalities. Greek drama explored the complexities of human nature. The structure of the performance may be different to what we are accustomed to, but the content is indeed as old as time – we all of us try to make sense of the world that we live in, and of what it means to be human.

I quite enjoy reading philosophical texts. As frustrating as Plato may be – he was rather full of himself – it is nice to know that I am not alone in pondering the big questions of the universe. When you philosophise you’re participating in a debate that spans hundreds, even thousands of years. It may be frustrating that some questions have yet to be answered, but I find comfort in this commonality. Who hasn’t gazed up at the sky and thought about who we are and why we are here? Who hasn’t felt puzzled at our capacity for great cruelty yet, also, for great kindness and true heroic deeds? Why do we hate war yet wage war? Why are we born only to have to die?

A little more light-hearted are Jane Austen’s works, but they offer a fascinating insight into society as it was in her day. Women had it tough back then. The vast majority of women were dependent on men – their fathers, brothers and , once married, their husbands. A woman of no great fortune would struggle to marry well, and it wasn’t uncommon to marry for practical reasons rather than any romantic sentiment. There was a significant class division and there wasn’t the social security that’s in place these days. Having to rely on the kindness of others is difficult, and stressful, and not at all good for one’s health and well-being. It is interesting to see how far we have come as a society, but also to be reminded of what could be as social security networks are undermined, or even dismantled. I’d rather not see a return to poorly treated servants and marriage of necessity.

Again, though, where there are differences there are similarities, too. Then, as now, there was love and heartbreak, good parenting and bad parenting, community spirit and endless gossip, tragedy and hope. It is what stays the same that helps us relate to characters even through big societal changes. I feel fairly secure in predicting that 500 years from now people who find themselves reading today’s stories may wonder about high heels and cell phones, but they’ll recognise our feelings and emotions, hopes and dreams.

If you are writing contemporary drama it is a good idea to use what is current. That may sound like it goes without saying, but it’s not uncommon for me to read a piece where modern, commonly available technology would have solved some major problem within minutes. It’s never explained why they didn’t just quickly send an app, or look something up on the Internet. Most of us have a pretty powerful computer right there in our pocket, and it’s got a camera, and a calculator, and even a torch!

We have at our fingertips a vast amount of information that would have seemed miraculous to previous generations. This can be helpful and unhelpful – it can instruct and mislead, as not every source is equally reliable. Nor do we always know how to interpret it correctly. I am no stranger to looking up medical symptoms, but I know of those who browse and feel immediately convinced that theirs is the worst-case scenario.

This changes life, and it changes the stories that we tell. It does not change human nature, however. We are not that different to the citizens of Ancient Greece, nor the people who inspired Jane Austen’s observations. Unless we somehow end up in a lasting utopia, there will be drama, and it will be written about.

What's your story?

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Editor's Picks

Some contests and activities to inspire you:

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Philosophical Musings Open in new Window. (13+)
A contest for items of a philosophical nature.
#2137339 by NaNoKit Author IconMail Icon


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Write from the Heart Poetry Contest Open in new Window. (E)
Write a heartfelt piece based on the prompt provided.
#2093224 by Purple Holiday Givings Author IconMail Icon


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First and Second Chance Poetry Contest Open in new Window. (E)
Submit both new and old pieces of your awarded or non-awarded poetry.
#2300286 by 👼intuey Author IconMail Icon


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IN & OUT
The Best of the Rest at the Bee Hive  Open in new Window. (E)
NOV 2024 Contest is open! Submit your Favorite Polls!
#1134192 by StephBee Author IconMail Icon


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Poetic Traditions Poetry Contest  Open in new Window. (E)
A Contest for Metrical Rhyming Poetry.
#2055137 by Brenpoet Author IconMail Icon


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RWB Presents: WDC 24th BD Poetry Event  Open in new Window. (18+)
Share free verse poems w/ friends at your favorite writing community, create and mingle.
#1390406 by ~Brian K Compton~ Author IconMail Icon


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I Write in 2024 Open in new Window. (13+)
Year 12 of I Write is the last one
#2307927 by NaNoNette Author IconMail Icon


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Merit Badge Magic Open in new Window. (E)
A magical way to inspire your Muse! New themes to write about every month. Not a contest.
#2293943 by GeminiGem🐾 Author IconMail Icon


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The Bard's Hall Contest Open in new Window. (13+)
NOVEMBER: Comedy... Thanksgiving with the Family
#981150 by StephBee Author IconMail Icon


And don't forget:

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Short Shots: Official WDC Contest Open in new Window. (ASR)
Use the photo to inspire your creativity. Write a short story and win big prizes!
#1221635 by Writing.Com Support Author IconMail Icon


 
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Ask & Answer

The Drama Newsletter Team welcomes any and all questions, suggestions, thoughts and feedback, so please don't hesitate to write in! *Smile*

Wishing you a week filled with inspiration,

The Drama Newsletter Team



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