Ray Mark A.
Llaguno 2 BCAED NIGHT A DRAMA 2
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LANGUAGE
Language in drama is how words are used in a play to tell the story, show who the characters are,
and make the audience feel something. It’s the spoken words on stage that bring the play to life.
Key aspects of language in drama:
Dialogue:
The primary form of language in drama, where characters speak directly to each other, revealing
their relationships and motivations.
Monologue:
A lengthy speech by a single character, often used to reveal important internal thoughts or
backstory.
Dramatic Irony:
When the audience or reader knows something a character does not, creating tension or suspense.
Dramatic irony is a literary device in which the audience or reader is aware of something that the
characters in the story are not aware of.(
Figurative Language:
Using metaphors, similes, and personification to create vivid imagery and deeper meaning.
Diction:
The specific word choice used by a character, which can reflect their social class, personality, and
level of education.
Examples of language techniques in drama:
Shakespearean language:
Rich, poetic language with complex metaphors and rhythmic patterns, as seen in plays like “Hamlet”
where characters often use extended metaphors to express their internal turmoil.
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Asides:
An aside is a speech or short comment that a character delivers directly to an audience
Soliloquy:
A character speaks their thoughts aloud to themselves, often revealing their motivations and
internal struggles.
Fast-paced dialogue:
Rapid exchanges of short lines to create tension or urgency in a scene like in a fast-paced thriller.
Dialect:
Using specific regional accents or speech patterns to convey a character’s background or identity.
MUSIC
Music in drama is music that enhances the dramatic action of a play or performance. It can be used
to create mood, build tension, or strengthen emotions.
Examples of music in drama
Melodrama: Melodramas comprise a genre of theatre that emerged during the Romantic period of
the 18th century. The term can be defined as a play, or movie, that uses sensationalized theatricality
and basic plot and character structures. Character emotion in melodramas is typically
overemphasized.
Incidental music: Music that plays between scenes, such as to keep the audience engaged.
Overture: A piece of music that captures the essence of the drama,
such as Mendelssohn’s Overture to A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Opera: A staged drama where the music is continuous or broken up into pieces, or “numbers” (a
dramatic presentation which is set to music)
Musical theater: A performance art that combines acting, singing, and dancing to tell a story
How music is used in drama:
Music can reveal a character’s inner emotions
Music can foreshadow events, such as an attack or romance
Music can comment on the action onstage
Music can create mood and atmosphere
Music can build tension
Music can strengthen emotions or help the audience empathize with the action
SPECTACLE
Spectacle in theater refers to all the visual elements of a production that contribute to the
audience’s experience. This includes set design, costumes, lighting, special effects, and the overall
look of the stage. Spectacle helps create the mood and atmosphere of the story, enhancing the
narrative beyond just the actors and their dialogue.
Key points about spectacle:
Visual impact:
The primary function of spectacle is to create a visually engaging experience for the audience,
immersing them in the play’s world.
Aristotle’s element:
In classical drama theory, “spectacle” is considered one of the six key elements of a play, alongside
plot, character, thought, diction, music, and language.
Supporting narrative:
While spectacle can be visually striking, it should always serve to support the story and deepen the
audience’s understanding of the characters and situation.
Examples of spectacle in drama:
Elaborate set designs:
A grand palace set with intricate architecture and opulent décor in a historical play.
Costumes:
A character’s costume reflecting their social status or personality, like a regal gown for a queen or
tattered clothes for a beggar.
Lighting effects:
Dramatic lighting changes to signify a shift in mood, like a sudden darkening of the stage to
represent a moment of tension. Special effects:
Pyrotechnics, smoke machines, or projections used to create a visually impactful moment, like a
battle scene with explosions.
Important considerations:
Balance is key:
While spectacle can be captivating, over-reliance on purely visual elements can detract from the
story and character development.
Context matters:
The appropriate level of spectacle depends on the play’s genre and style. A contemporary drama
may use minimal set design while a large-scale historical epic might heavily rely on elaborate visuals.
