Genre Flashcards
(13 cards)
What is Agitprop?
A play with a strong political message.
Agitprop is a term derived from ‘agitation propaganda’ and is used to describe theatrical works that aim to promote a political agenda.
Define Black Comedy.
A comedy with dark themes.
Black comedy often addresses serious or taboo subjects in a humorous way, provoking thought alongside laughter.
What is a Comedy of Manners?
A comedy which uses society’s stereotypes.
This genre often critiques social norms and behaviors through witty dialogue and satirical situations.
What characterizes Commedia Dell ‘arte?
Improvised theatre using stock characters, such as; the slave, the damsel etc., and a lot of physicality.
Commedia Dell ‘arte originated in Italy and is known for its vibrant characters and improvisational style.
What is a Docudrama?
Documentary style drama.
This genre blends factual events with dramatized storytelling to create a narrative that reflects real-life situations.
Describe Epic Theatre.
Awareness that the audience are watching a play, usually has a strong point or message. The audience should not empathise with the characters, they should know they are watching a drama.
Epic Theatre, developed by Bertolt Brecht, aims to provoke critical thought rather than emotional involvement.
What is Farce?
A drama which is highly exaggerated and usually comical.
Farce relies on absurdity and exaggerated situations for humor.
Define Historical Drama.
Drama set in a historical period.
Historical dramas often explore significant events or figures from the past, blending fact with fiction.
What characterizes Melodrama?
Exaggerated plot and characters, often plays on emotions, using stock characters. Music also plays a part in this type of drama.
Melodrama emphasizes sensationalism and emotional appeal to engage the audience.
What is Satire?
Use of sarcasm and irony to get over a message or generate shock.
Satire aims to critique or mock societal norms, politics, or human behavior through humor.
What defines a Comedy?
A play which is comical and has a happy ending.
Comedies typically revolve around humorous situations and often conclude with a resolution that brings joy.
Describe Tragic-comedy.
A play which has both comical moments and an element of tragedy.
Tragic-comedy blends the serious and the humorous, reflecting the complexities of life.
What does Drama rely on?
The action, emotion, and relationships in the plot.
The essence of drama lies in its ability to depict human experiences and emotions through compelling narratives.
