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DRAM A
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DRAMA
a literary work written to be performed onstage intended to create an illusion of reality.
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derived from the Greek word dran which means to do, to act, or to perform.
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HISTORY OF DRAMA
Greek Drama
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are part of religious and agricultural festivals used to thank and praise gods for the bountiful harvests. a group of women called Maenads engaged in a ritual that involved intoxication, frenzied dancing, and feeding on animal and even human flesh. costumes used were only boots and masks.
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Dionysius god of fertility and procreation

The Cult of Dionysus, which probably originated in Asia Minor, practiced ritual celebrations which may have included alcoholic intoxication, orgies, human and animal sacrifices, and perhaps even hysterical rampages by women called Maenads. The cult's most controversial practice involved, it is believed, uninhibited dancing and emotional displays that created an altered mental state. This altered state was known as 'ecstasis', from which the word ecstasy is derived. Dionysiac, hysteria and 'catharsis' also derive from Greek words for emotional release or purification. Ecstasy was an important religious concept to the Greeks, who would come to see theatre as a way of releasing powerful emotions through its ritual power.
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HISTORY OF DRAMA
Roman Drama
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borrowed elements of Greek drama and combined them with its own. made use of the raised stage, curtains, spectacles of chariot races, and more vigorous kind of acting. dealt with romance plots (how love may triumph over evil and ultimately, death)
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Roman Theater

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HISTORY OF DRAMA
Medieval Drama
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formation of troupes a band of actors the Church was responsible for the flourishing of the major trends in theater. Pagan elements was being reconciled with Christian doctrines.

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Troupes

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HISTORY OF DRAMA
Renaissance Drama
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was first felt in Italy during the 15th century. the popularity of the new type of comedy, commedia dellarte, became a big hit among educated and uneducated people. the Theater was built in London in 1586 to pave way for professional, non-religious play performances. traces of medieval drama remained.
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London Theater - 1586

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HISTORY OF DRAMA
Elizabethan Drama
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traditional forms of drama acquired bolder and more realistic qualities. drew its popular appeal from crowds that came from all walks of life. although Shakespeare was considered the major figure or representative of Elizabethan drama, Ben Jonson was the more popular. Jonson successfully drew an excellent 5/1/12 picture of Elizabethan England.

Elizabethan Drama Figures

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HISTORY OF DRAMA
18th Century Drama
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emphasis was on scenery and elaborate spectacle rather than on dialog. the movable panel was introduced, scenes shift more easily from one to another. appearance of women onstage, allowing them to play women roles, lending more character and normalcy to the English play.
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Movable Panel

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HISTORY OF DRAMA
19th Century Drama
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introduction of gas gave lighting effects to the stage, allowing to manipulate the mood of every scene. Realism dominated the theater scene and culminated the thesis play. the dramatic form was credited to the French. the melodrama was born a play relied on violent emotional appeal and sentimentality.
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HISTORY OF DRAMA
20th Century Drama
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theater of England and America became a political instrument for intellectuals and common people alike introduction of Vaudeville a play featuring songs, dances, magicians, and animal acts, catering the male audience. talking pictures or filmed movies appeared after 1930s
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Vaudeville

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ELEMENTS OF DRAMA
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Dialog help advance the action of the play. Characters protagonist and antagonist. Plot similar to short stories Theme universal truth about life. Setting time and plays.

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