Dramatic Elements Flashcards
We are learning the terminology for the Dramatic Elements and the definitions of these Elements.
Name the Dramatic Elements
Conflict, Climax, Contrast, Mood, Rhythm, Sound, Space, Symbol, Tension
Conflict
Conflict should always be considered an essential ingredient for all dramatic performances.
The ‘conflict’ is often a fixed part of the structure of the play, with characters destined to clash with one another from the outset or an individual set to struggle with an inner conflict.
Conflict on stage can be external or internal. Conflict can be verbal, physical or non-verbal (psychological).
Climax
Most drama will have one or more crises in the development of the plot.
A crisis is a key moment of tension and conflict in the play and has serious implications for the outcome of the drama.
The ULTIMATE crisis is called the CLIMAX and normally occurs towards the end of a performance.
Contrast
Without the use of contrast a performance lacks tension.
An obvious example of contrast is a sad scene followed by a happy one.
But contrast can be created in more subtle and sophisticated ways, such as manipulating the drama to create a change in setting, use of space or rhythm.
The pace of scenes can also be altered to create the dramatic element of contrast.
Mood
Mood is the feeling or tone of a performance. It refers to ambience or aura and is often created through a combination of several dramatic and stagecraft elements working in harmony with each other. The mood of a performance is closely linked with everyday feelings such as pity, anger, desire or frustration. Mood in drama can be created via
sound, lighting, movement, setting, rhythm, contrast, conflict and more.
Rhythm
Rhythm refers to the timing and pace of the drama.
It also means the beat or tempo of the performance. As a rule, rhythm should never be the same throughout the drama, regardless of its length. Rhythm can follow the emotional state of one or more characters or the atmosphere of the performance at particular moments.
Sound
Modern theatrical practice relies on sound to assist in a number of ways. It can be useful in creating atmosphere or mood. Actors and their bodies can construct effective sound in a performance. Mouths can produce sound effects for particular dramatic effect. Small props can also create sound effects that can be used live during a show.
Space
This dramatic element refers to the effective use of available space in a performance.
Different levels of space are utilised by the performer, such as sitting, bending over, lying down or crawling.
Of course, using the space around you can mean downstage and upstage or walking in or on a stage set. In order to use the space effectively, movement becomes an important factor.
Use of space also implies clearly communicating to the audience where the action is taking place. This may include any changes in location that may occur in the performance (particularly if little or no sets and/or props are being used and there is a heavy reliance on the audience’s imagination).
Symbol
Essentially, symbolism implies a greater meaning than the literal suggestion. Props are the easiest to work with because objects in everyday life are symbols in
society (for example a rose symbolises love; a cross symbolises Christianity).
Symbols can also be found in the use of colour. We often symbolise purple with royalty, red with anger or desire, black with evil and darkness or white with purity and innocence. Colour association can be worthwhile symbols with costumes, sets and props.
The most sophisticated use of symbol occurs with the application of gesture and movement but the most effective use of symbolism comes with combining all these different elements!
Tension
Tension can sometimes be used as an interchangeable term with conflict. But where it differs, lies in the development of suspense in a performance. As the audience anticipates certain outcomes in the plot, the tension builds. An obvious example of rising tension is in a mystery or whodunit. The development of tension usually parallels the advancement of the plot, leading to a crisis or climax. Tension is closely linked with timing.
