  Drama
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Drama: 1. Greek word for "action."
2. A real life situation or succession of events having the dramatic progression or emotional content typical of a play.
I'm excited to be back hosting this week's drama newsletter. 
The other day my four-year-old asked to go to Toys-R-Us to buy a Thomas train. Since I was in the middle of five loads of laundry, I told him, "No, not right now." He was so upset he prostrated himself on the floor and threw a fit. Arms flailed. Feet waved in the air. He sobbed. He sniffled. I had no idea my beleaguered "not right now" would be so dramatic.
Finally, he composed himself, sat up, and dried his tears. "I'm sorry, Mommy," he said. The world's greatest tragedy took on an almost comical flair with his exaggerated antics. Such is drama. Did I forget to mention my oldest can be a drama king from time to time?
Let's take a look at some different types of cultural drama. |
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Greek Drama
While the origins of Greek drama aren't clearly defined, they did grow out of the yearly celebrations for the god, Dionyssos.
Greek drama centered around a chorus. The leader of the chorus sang about the exploits of a hero. Later, the leader began to play the role of the hero. Then additional actors and spoken dialogue was added and the result was tragedy.
An excellent example of Greek tragedy was the play, "Antigone," written by Sophocles. There's so much tragedy because Antigone decided to do the morally right thing even if it was against the law.
Greek drama tended to follow three acts. The first act was the introduction to the characters and the problem. The second act was the action (climax) to the problem, and the third act presented the consquences of the action the characters had to deal with.
Medieval Drama
In the Middle Ages of Europe, a drama was inspired by the liturgy of the word. Miracle plays were given on feast days on the porch of cathedrals. In fact, many dramas were biblical, and important to the church.
One such play, the "Passion Play," still performed in Oberammergau, Germany comes to mind. In fear of the bubonic plague, they performed the Passion for God. When the village was spared, they began to perform the play as a reminder of how they were spared. Today, the Passion Play is still performed every tenth year in Oberammergau.
Chinese Drama
In China, drama took the form of an opera, and there were many styles of opera. At its height, there were over 368 styles. A form called Zaju involved rhyming schemes and special roles that included the female, male, painted face, and clown. After 1919,Chinese playwrights began to experiment and use traditional western plays in their drama.
Japanese Drama
This was called Noh. It combined drama, music, and dance. It still thrives today in Japan. Kyugen drama focuses on more comic elements and is more dialogue oriented.
Indian Drama
This deals with human as well as godly concerns. The earliest account of Indian drama dates back to the 3rd Century B.C.
Next: Tips on Drama Writing.
If any of you have any tips on drama writing, please send them in. I'd love to include them in the newsletter. |
My picks this week focus on real life situations and emotional content. Enjoy.
Editor's Note: A poem that deal with depression. Great emotional content.
Editor's Note: This is a letter written by a World War I soldier. Even though the letter is dated, I thought the emotional content was still relevant in light of today's war in Iraq.
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Editor's Note: This poem explores the emotions of when someone you love leaves you for another person.
Editor's Note: This vignette explores the author's personal meaning of love.
Editor's Note: This sample shows a woman running through an alley. Good emotional content.
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Editor's Note: While whimsical, I really liked this because all the objects in the attic take on the same emotions and feelings we have as people. |
Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form
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Just some thoughts and feedback from my last Drama newsletter:
Starr Phenix 
Thanks for mentioning my poem in your first newsletter! I thought you did a fantastic job, and that you summed up 'drama' perfectly!
Thank you, Starr
Nighala a.k.a. Doxie Do-Right 
I'm really interested to read your future columns on various types of drama. It would be nice to get different traditions to help get the juices flowing.
I don't know if it counts, since it's SF/Fantasy, but I think my favorite drama is Heroes because it actually explores a lot of univeral issues: Mother/Child, Sibling/Sibling, Lovers, Self-discovery, Friendship, betrayal, fear, hatred, etc.
Heroes count! While I'd like to catch a show (sigh...I work from 0200 pm to 1000 pm and can't remember to tape to save my life!) all the universal issues you mention are those issues that makes drama writing successful simply because they're every day situtations.
ibtesam
Thanks for your email, It is so helpful of you to teach me in my first visit to WRITING.com. I have read I TURNED MY BACK FOR ONLY SECONDS, and I liked it. But I would like to introduce myself to you, I'm Egyptian, my mother tounge is arabic, I know a good English which enables me to read and write in english. but I'm trying hard to learn how to write political reports and analysis. I'm married and I have a little baby girl.
Bousy
Thanks for writing in. I'm glad you liked "I Turned My Back For Only Seconds." It is nice to meet you.
billwilcox
A really cool newsletter Steph. I loved the quotes from famous authors...
Thanks, Bill.
kiyasama
Hi Steph!
You did a great job with this newsletter, despite your trepidations. This was quite informative and it's good to see another Sopranos fan! Keep up the good work!
Thanks, Kiya. The Sopranos is a great show. If you like that, I also recommend "Rome," also on HBO.
Has anyone here read "Antigone?" What did you think or feel about that play? How about "Romeo or Juliet?" "The Taming of the Shrew?" How about Arthur Miller's "Death of A Saleman?" How did they effect you?
Has anyone seen a Noh or Chinese drama? Share your thoughts & impressions.
SantaBee Currently works for LAPD as a 911 Dispatcher. She's married and has two young boys, 4 years and 4 months. She has several self-published novels.
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Drama: February 21, 2007 Issue [#1553]
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