Module 1: Introduction to Drama Theory
1.1. Basic Concepts

Drama theory is a field of study that studies the characteristics of dramatic art, such as drama, acting, directing, etc. Drama theory studies various aspects of a dramatic work, including structure, composition, style, genre, etc. She also analyzes various theories and concepts that can help you understand drama better.

Major aspects of drama theory include:

1.       Drama Structure: An analysis of how dramatic works are constructed, including elements such as introduction, conflict, climax, and resolution.

The structure of a drama usually consists of the following main elements, taking into account the classical composition:

Introduction (Act 1):
Exposition: Here you can see the main characters, the place of action, and the initial situation.
Conflict: Entry often involves the beginning of a conflict or problem that will develop further.
Plot development (Acts 2 and 3):
Tie: The plot deepens, the conflict becomes more complex, and the characters face obstacles.
Climbing Action: The action reaches its climax where the conflict is most intense.
Twists and turns: In this section, there are sudden changes in events that affect the course of the plot and characters.
Climax (Act 4):
Climax: Events reach their highest tension, and the conflict is close to resolution.
Character Development: The main characters often go through internal changes or come to important decisions.
Unwinding (Act 5):
Resolution: The conflict is resolved, and the main plot intrigue ends.
Conclusion: The results of events are summed up, and the fate of the characters is determined.
Conclusion (epilogue):
Summing up: Here you can provide additional information about the fate of characters or the long-term consequences of actions.

It is important to note that the structure of a drama can vary depending on the genre and style of the author. For example, experimental plays or dramas may break the traditional framework of the structure to achieve certain effects. However, the above structure is a common template that is often used in drama to create a visual and dramatically rich story.

2.     Characters and Personalities: Research the characters ' personalities, motivations, development, and interactions.

In drama, there are many classic characters and characters that are often found in different pronouncements:

Tragic Hero: This character usually has outstanding qualities, but has significant flaws that lead to his death or misfortune. An example is Hamlet in the play of the same name by William Shakespeare.

Comic character: These characters are often stereotyped and used to create humor. Examples include clowns, pranksters, and caricatured characters.

Anti-hero: This character is usually the opposite of the traditional hero. He can be immoral, cynical, or even malicious, but at the same time, he often evokes sympathy or understanding from the audience. An example is Walter White from the TV series "Breaking Bad".

A woman in distress: This classic image is often used in tragedies and dramas. A woman finds herself in a difficult situation, and her suffering and struggle for survival form the plot. An example is Ekaterina Ivanovna from Fyodor Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment.

Villain: This character plays a negative role in the plot and often becomes an obstacle for the heroes. An example is Joffrey from Game of Thrones.

Mentor: A wise and experienced character who guides and advises the hero. An example is Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars.

Lovers: A classic romantic couple whose love and relationship story is often the centerpiece of the plot. An example is Romeo and Juliet in Shakespeare's play.

These classic characters and characters help playwrights create rich and diverse stories that reflect different aspects of human nature and experience.

3.     Performing and cinematographic arts: Consideration of the specifics of drama transmission on stage and screen, including the use of scenery, light, sound, and editing.

Stage and film dramaturgy have many elements in common, but they also have significant differences. A small comparison:

Space and means of expression:

Stage drama: Focused on live performance in front of an audience on stage. Actors use live space, scenery, costumes, and light to convey the story and emotions.

Film drama: Uses a camera, editing, special effects, and a host of other technical tools to create a visual narrative. It depends more on directing and editing than on live performance.

Time:

Stage drama: The action takes place in real time in front of a live audience. Breaks or scene changes are created on the stage.

Film drama: Editing allows you to create a non-linear plot structure and move through time and place with ease.

Acting game:

Stage drama: Requires actors to perform live and directly in front of an audience. Actors can interact directly with the audience.

Cinematic drama: Allows you to use a variety of technical tools to improve your acting and create more natural scenes.

Installation and post-processing:

Stage drama: Editing takes place here and now, it's on stage. All elements of the view are "stitched" right in front of the viewer's eyes.

Film drama: Includes an editing phase where scenes can be assembled, intersected, and edited to create the desired effect. Additional post-processing, including sound effects and special effects, is also important.

Audience and distribution:

Stage drama: The audience comes to the performance in the theater and watches it at a certain time and place.

Screenwriting: Films can be distributed worldwide through movie theaters, television, streaming, and other media platforms, allowing them to reach a wider audience.

These differences determine the unique characteristics and approaches to the creation and perception of dramatic works in the stage and cinematic environment.

4.    Themes and symbolism: An analysis of the main themes, ideas, and symbols used in dramatic works.

In drama, there are many classic themes and symbols that are often used to enrich plots and express deep ideas. Here are some of them:

1. Tragedy and comedy: These are the two main genres of drama. Tragedy usually deals with serious and deep themes such as death, fate, and suffering, while comedy focuses on humor and laughter.

2. Symbolism of colors: Different colors can symbolize different emotions and states. For example, red is often associated with love or passion, while black is often associated with death or grief.

3. Nature Symbolism: Natural elements such as trees, water, and weather can be used to reflect emotions and symbolize changes in the story.

4. Hero vs. Antihero: A classic confrontation between a hero who has positive qualities and an antihero who may have negative traits.

5. Trigger points: Important events or decisions that trigger the main conflict and action in the play.

6. Symbolism of numbers: Different numbers can have symbolic meaning. For example, the number 3 can symbolize balance or triplicity.

7. Repetition motif: Repeating certain words, phrases, or actions may emphasize their importance in the story or symbolize the characters ' obsession.

8. Symbolism of Archetypes: Dramaturgy often uses archetypes such as the savior hero, the sage, or the virgin sacrifice to convey certain ideas or concepts.

These classic themes and symbols help playwrights and the public to better understand and analyze the plots and characters in theatrical works.

5.     Genres and styles: Review of various genres of drama, such as tragedy, comedy, dramedy and others, as well as analysis of style features.

Drama encompasses many genres and styles, but the main ones include:

Tragedy: This genre focuses on conflicts and events that lead to the misfortunes and deaths of the main characters. An example of a tragedy is William Shakespeare's Hamlet.

Comedy: Comedies aim to create laughter and entertain the audience. They are often based on misunderstandings, comic situations, and irony. An example is Shakespeare's Twelfth Night.

Drama: This genre deals with serious topics and conflicts, but without the tragic outcome that is characteristic of a tragedy. An example is Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.

Melodrama: Melodramas focus on emotional aspects and often include romantic elements. An example is "Racer in the Rain" by Richard Leicester.

Satire: This style is used for criticism and irony in relation to society, politics or cultural phenomena. An example is "Gulliver in the Land of Midgets" by Jonathan Swift.

Historical drama: Based on historical events, such plays explore important periods and figures of the past. An example is William Shakespeare's Henry IV.

Slapstick: A genre focused on creating funny situations and comic moments. An example is Moliere's comedies, such as Tartuffe.

These are just a few examples of genres and styles in drama. It is important to remember that they can be combined and changed depending on the specific play or author.

6.     Historical context: Taking into account historical time and social changes in the development of drama.

Historical context plays a significant role in shaping dramaturgy, as cultural, social, and political aspects of society influence the themes, structures, and styles of plays. Here are some key points in the historical context of drama:

Ancient Drama: An ancient Greek and Roman drama written in the fifth and second centuries BC is the starting point for Western drama. The tragedies of Aeschylus, Sophocles, and the comedies of Aristophanes in Greece, as well as the works of Seneca and Terence in Rome, are early examples of drama.

The Middle Ages: In medieval Europe, drama was often presented in the form of mysteries, moralities, and miracles, which were theatrical productions with religious or moral lessons.

Renaissance: In the 15th and 17th centuries, during the Renaissance in Europe, drama became more realistic, with more complex characters and plots. Shakespeare's tragedies and Moliere's comedies are vivid examples of this period.

The Age of Enlightenment and Romanticism: In the 18th and 19th centuries, drama began to reflect new ideas about human rights, freedom, and the role of the individual in society. The works of Goethe, Schiller, and Shakespeare continued to influence this period.

XX century and modernity: In the XX century, drama became experimental and multifaceted. Avant-garde and postmodern trends have brought new forms and styles to theatrical works.

These periods and changes in society were reflected in dramatic works, creating a variety of styles, themes and approaches to the art of theater.

7.     Audience and Reception: The study of how audiences perceive and interact with dramatic works.

Audience and reception in drama play an important role in the formation and perception of theatrical works.

The audience is the audience that views and evaluates the performance. Her reaction can significantly affect the success of the play. The audience's reaction can be positive or negative, and it can be expressed in applause, boos, reviews, etc. The author must take into account the interests and expectations of the audience when creating his drama.

Reception in drama refers to the way in which the audience interprets and understands a performance. Reception may depend on cultural, social, and historical contexts, as well as on the individual characteristics of each viewer. Different people may perceive the same drama in different ways, and this can make a difference in the interpretation of the work.

So, for a playwright, it is important to take into account the audience and various ways of its reception in order to create a performance that will arouse interest and resonance among the audience.

Drama theory helps both understand and analyze already created dramatic works, as well as develop new ones, using knowledge of what elements and techniques contribute to the effective transmission of ideas and emotions through art.

In drama, there are many areas of research that help to understand and analyze the theatrical and literary aspects of dramatic works. Main directions:

1.       Historical research of drama: The study of the development of drama in different historical periods, analysis of changes in the structure and style of dramatic works, as well as the role of theater in society.

2. Theatrical art and directing: An analysis of methods of directing, creating productions, and interpreting dramatic works on stage. A study of various theatrical trends and styles.

3.     Literary analysis of dramatic texts: Analysis of the texts of dramatic works, taking into account the structure, characters, dialogues, symbols and metaphors.

4. Sociocultural context: A study of the influence of social and cultural factors on the creation and perception of dramatic works. Analysis of social and political themes in drama.

5.     Psychological analysis of characters: The study of the psychology of characters in dramatic works, their motivations, conflicts, and evolution.

6.     Comparative research: Comparison and analysis of dramatic works of different authors, eras and cultures to identify common features and differences.

7.     A feminist and gender perspective: Analysis of the role and representation of gender in drama, as well as the study of female characters and feminist themes in drama.

8.    Existential Research: An analysis of philosophical and ethical issues raised in dramatic works, with a focus on the meaning of life, death, and the essence of human existence.

9.     Modern trends and experiments: The study of new trends and experiments in drama, such as postmodernism, absurdity and modern theatrical forms.

These areas of research in drama allow for a deeper understanding and analysis of dramatic works and their impact on culture and society.