TYPES OF DRAMA

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.

Tragedy.
In ancient times, a tragedy was often an historical dramas featuring the downfall of a great man. It 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 onedimensional and often follow stereotypical behavior.

Melodrama
Melodrama is another type of exaggerated drama. As in farce, the characters tend to be simplified and one-dimensional.

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.

DEVELOPMENT OF PHIL. DRAMA

Long before the coming of cinema in the Philippines, theater originated in the culture of the country's early societies. Their theatron was on the ground within the community. The ritual practitioners in their dance-dramas used imitative dances to propitiate the supernatural powers that were believed to control forces to regulate the seasons and elements; to ensure the earth's fertility; and to grant the tribe success in hunting and warfare. The first association of motion picture producers and distributors was organized in 1911-- by American, Spanish, Filipino producers and theater managers. It was censorship that caused them to unite; it was taxes that made their union permanent. During the 5th decade, however, film productions became one of the major industries of the country. It contributed to the national government hundreds of million pesos in terms of revenues.

HOW TO CRITIQUE/APPRECIATE DRAMA

What Is a Critique? A critique is a thoughtful and fair accounting of what you saw and an insightful analysis of your own reaction to the play.

How do I critique? Start with the play: Define the basic theme or idea. Select and prioritize any or all of these subjects according to what you think is most important to the success and/or failure of the production:
a) b) c) d) e) f) g)

Acting Costumes Directing Lighting and Sound Effects Setting or Environment Stage Business (movement or spectacle) Other Significant Human Details

Show how these elements affected the production. Keep in mind the following questions:
a)
b) c)

What did the production try to do? How well was it done? Was it worth doing?

HOW TO CRITIQUE/APPRECIATE MOTION

PICTURE Introduction Analyzing the Theme Analyzing the Story
a) b) c)

Plot Characters Symbolism

Analyzing the Genre Concluding Remarks References