Drama Grade 11
→ Realism
→ Konstantin Stanislavski
→ The crucible
→ Woza Albert!
→ A streetcar named desire
→ South African theatre
, DRAMA TERM 1 REALISM
→ defined as a concern for fact or reality and a rejection of the
“the faithful
representation of
impractical and visionary.
→ attempts to depict contemporary life truthfully accurately, reality” or
often with a social message. “verisimilitude”
→ realism was a reaction to melodramas and romanticism
Melodrama:
→ consisted of large flamboyant characters, with equally flamboyant gestures and
patterns of speech.
→ Plots were dramatic - generally either falling into the category of high comedy or high
tragedy - and always entertaining.
1.Exposition:
The well-made play formula: → “exposing the situation”
→ Introduction of place, people, situation
and time.
degree of audience interest
crisis/climax 2.Complication:
→ a form of confusion/difficulty is
introduced.
→ there is a careful preparation for future
events, utilising Comte’s concept of
complicatio cause and effect.
n resolution/denouement
3.Crisis/climax:
→ continuous mounting suspense and
exposition then the highest point of tension is
reached.
→ an obligatory scene inn which the good
are rewarded and the bad are punished.
4.Resolution/denouement:
act 1 act 2 act 3 → “resolving the situation”
→ there is a logical, believable conclusion
to the play.
→ all loose-ends are “tied up”.
Characteristics of a
realism play:
Plot and structure:
→ crafted and structured.
→ classic influence of unity of time, place and
action. Language:
→ dramatic conventions (changes in lighting, etc.) → everyday speech.
→ selective presentation of reality. → movements and gestures are
→ events are plausible. realistic.
→ provoke discussion, thought and debate. → diction is natural vernacular.
Themes: Staging:
→ middle class. → staged in proscenium arch.
→ concerned with society. → box set, creates “4th wall”
→ problems were real. → extraordinary detail in set and
props
Characters:
→ real complexity.
→ dramatised people at critical moments in their
lives.
→ protagonist = person of little stature, sometimes
a victim of circumstance.
→ Realism
→ Konstantin Stanislavski
→ The crucible
→ Woza Albert!
→ A streetcar named desire
→ South African theatre
, DRAMA TERM 1 REALISM
→ defined as a concern for fact or reality and a rejection of the
“the faithful
representation of
impractical and visionary.
→ attempts to depict contemporary life truthfully accurately, reality” or
often with a social message. “verisimilitude”
→ realism was a reaction to melodramas and romanticism
Melodrama:
→ consisted of large flamboyant characters, with equally flamboyant gestures and
patterns of speech.
→ Plots were dramatic - generally either falling into the category of high comedy or high
tragedy - and always entertaining.
1.Exposition:
The well-made play formula: → “exposing the situation”
→ Introduction of place, people, situation
and time.
degree of audience interest
crisis/climax 2.Complication:
→ a form of confusion/difficulty is
introduced.
→ there is a careful preparation for future
events, utilising Comte’s concept of
complicatio cause and effect.
n resolution/denouement
3.Crisis/climax:
→ continuous mounting suspense and
exposition then the highest point of tension is
reached.
→ an obligatory scene inn which the good
are rewarded and the bad are punished.
4.Resolution/denouement:
act 1 act 2 act 3 → “resolving the situation”
→ there is a logical, believable conclusion
to the play.
→ all loose-ends are “tied up”.
Characteristics of a
realism play:
Plot and structure:
→ crafted and structured.
→ classic influence of unity of time, place and
action. Language:
→ dramatic conventions (changes in lighting, etc.) → everyday speech.
→ selective presentation of reality. → movements and gestures are
→ events are plausible. realistic.
→ provoke discussion, thought and debate. → diction is natural vernacular.
Themes: Staging:
→ middle class. → staged in proscenium arch.
→ concerned with society. → box set, creates “4th wall”
→ problems were real. → extraordinary detail in set and
props
Characters:
→ real complexity.
→ dramatised people at critical moments in their
lives.
→ protagonist = person of little stature, sometimes
a victim of circumstance.
