Different Types of Drama
You'll discover many types of drama when studying drama and
theater. The symbol of drama, the laughing and weeping masks, represent the two
main types of drama, comedy and tragedy. Within those categories lie the many
forms of drama that entertain people today.
Comedy
When we talk about comedy, we usually refer to plays that are
light in tone, and that typically have happy endings. The intent of a comedic
play is to make the audience laugh. In modern theater, there are many different
styles of comedy, ranging from realistic stories, where the humor is derived
from real-life situations, to outrageous slapstick humor.
Tragedy
Tragedy is one of the oldest forms of drama; however, its meaning
has changed since the earliest days of staged plays. In ancient times, a
tragedy was often an historical dramas featuring the downfall of a great man.
In modern theater, the definition is a bit looser. Tragedy usually involves
serious subject matter and the death of one or more main characters. These
plays rarely have a happy ending.
Farce
Farce is a sub-category of comedy, characterized by greatly
exaggerated characters and situations. Characters tend to be one-dimensional
and often follow stereotypical behavior. Farces typically involve mistaken
identities, lots of physical comedy and outrageous plot twists.
Melodrama
Melodrama is another type of exaggerated drama. As in farce, the
characters tend to be simplified and one-dimensional. The formulaic storyline
of the classic melodrama typically involves a villain a heroine, and a hero who
must rescue the heroine from the villain.
Musical
In musical theater, the story is told not only through dialogue
and acting but through music and dance. Musicals are often comedic, although
many do involve serious subject matter. Most involve a large cast and lavish
sets and costumes.
As a student of drama it is important to be able recognize these
different types of drama. Be aware that in modern theater, the lines between
these types of drama are often quite blurred, with elements of comedy, drama
and and tragedy residing in the same play.
