What Makes a Good Drama?

By: Drama 3 (Christy, Jessica, Radit, Javier)

What is Drama?
Drama is a piece of writing that is performed either on a stage, TV or radio for an audience. It is used to portray life or a character. Drama tells a story usually involving conflicts, issues or emotions through body gestures, actions and dialogue typically designed for a particular theatrical performance.

Types of Drama
Comedy Tragedy Farce Melodrama Romance

Forms of Drama
Musical Mime Classical Indonesian Traditional Drama

7 Elements of Drama

Focus
A play should have a clear focus, which determines the focus of the characters and directs the focus of the audience.
4 types of focus the focus of the scene the focus of the audience the focus of the character the focus of the actor

Tension
Tension is the force that engages the performers and audience in the dramatic action. There are ups and downs when the tension increases or decreases in the play.

Space
The use of space in a play makes the audience think about the meaning of the distance between the actors, the actor and the props or the actor and the audience.

Mood
Mood creates the dramatic tension. It moves the audience in emotionally appropriate directions. This means that the audience will be able to feel the mood of the scene.

Contrast
Contrast is known as the use of differences to create a dramatic meaning. Contrasting colors stands out on the stage. Contrasting sizes, shapes and sounds draw attention of the audience.

Symbol
A symbol is a sign or gesture that represent a meaning. During drama performances, symbols and specific gestures could be used to express a certain meaning.

Role
Actors should be certain about their characters personality, attitudes and beliefs to make the scene more believable for the audience. This will enhance the meaning of the play to the audience. Actor/ actresses should act out their role with confidence.

Elements of Drama
According to Mr. Arif (UNESA Drama Lecturer)

The important elements in drama are the use of body, voice and intellect.

Use of Body
Actors shape their body to show what their character looks like. This helps the audience understand the characters and scene

Vocal Usage
The way actors use their voice during a drama performance should suit the situation at the current moment The articulation should be clear as well.

Intellectual - Knowledge
In drama intellectual thinking must be used to think about the main topic and issue.

Criteria for a Good Drama

What makes a good drama?
There are a few things that makes a good drama. Here is a list of the criteria: The right monologue Research Characters Perform with confidence Theme Plot

According to Mr. Arif (UNESA Drama Lecturer)

1. Have a clear, easy, understandable drama with an interesting main idea. 2. The actors have deep understanding upon the characters.

What makes a Good Drama?

3. The make- up and costume used should support the characters and to show the differences in their personalities.

According to Mr. Arif (UNESA Drama Lecturer) should involve an issue and/or a conflict. Most dramas are inspired by the issues or conflicts in our surroundings. should include an exciting story.

What makes a Good Drama?

Our Conclusion (1)

From the information that we have collected, we can conclude that a good drama has a specific criteria. Generally, the things that makes a good drama are: the involvement of an interesting issues, the use of the right dialogue and monologue, knowledge of the main issues, the use of unique and interesting characters, a clear theme and an understandable yet interesting plot. Good drama involves conflict and how that conflict is expressed through gestures, expressions, and the tone of the character. It should be believable.

Overall, a good drama is one that relates well to the audience. It takes the actors and the audience for an enjoyable ride into the world of the play. Good dramas can be really complex or very simple. The story takes us to the setting of the play. If it is that good, you could actually feel like you are one of the people in the story. A really good drama is the one you want to watch a second or third time.

Our Conclusion (2)

Resources
Different Types of Drama. [Online] Available. http://www.life123.com/parenting/education/dra ma/types-of-drama.shtml, 23rd January 2014. Dance, drama, and music. [Online] Available. http://www.skwirk.com/p-c_s-1_u-46_t-35_c95/nsw/hsie/study-of-a-cultural-group:bali/traditional-culture/dance,-drama-and-music, 23rd January 2014.

Resources
The Elements of Drama. [Online] Available.

http://www.curriculumsupport.education.nsw.gov. au/secondary/creativearts/assets/drama/pdf/dra maelements.pdf, 23rd January 2014. Elements of Drama A brief introduction. [Online] Available. http://renierdrama.wordpress.com/category/type s-of-drama-plays-comedy/, 23rd January 2014. Hidayat, Arif. Group Interview. 27th January 2014.

Special Thanks To:

Primary Resource (Expert): Mr. Arif Hidayat. UNESA Drama Lecturer, professional actor. TIC & Mentor: Ms. Tatik Mr. Yudi