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 Action/Adventure: December 31, 1969 Issue [#2607] |
  Action/Adventure This issue's editor: sgcardin More Newsletters By This Editor   1. About this Newsletter 2. A Word from our Sponsor 3. Letter from the Editor 4. Editor's Picks 5. A Word from Writing.Com 6. Ask & Answer 7. Removal instructions  ** #1197029 Not An Image ** DRAMA IS: #1 - The Greek word for "action." #2 - A real situation or succession of events having the dramatic progression or emotional content of a play. Theme in drama writing is your way as a writer to share your ideas on life through story, character, and cinematic images. After putting together our play, "War and Wine," in our last couple of newsletters, we'll examine themes in drama writing. Something to keep in mind: "What's the theme of "War and Wine?"    Theme is found everywhere in a play. It's in the action, embedded in the dialogue, and reflected in the way characters act and respond. But, what is it? Themes are the meanings we give to our life experiences. We have an experience, say we lost a job, we're having a baby, or we got a promotion. By trying to see them from a bigger perspective, we try to learn from them so we don't repeat the same mistakes.  TIP: As you develop a theme for your own play don't preach. Share your theme through your characters, dialogue, and story.What are some common themes found in daily life? Finding ourselves Coming of age Fulfilling our calling Other themes include: Power and control Greed Manipulation Betrayal Justice vs injustice Integrity Loyalty Finding love Sexism Racism In script writing, how can you convey your theme? Through the following:  Dialogue Characters{e:note3) The ending DIALOGUE Dialogue can quickly and effectively communicate your theme. Let's take "Volker" from "War and Wine." ****** VOLKER Fifty cases of chardonnay should e sufficient for Berlin. CLARIE Fifty! You're being greedy, Herr Schleich. Fifty is too much! VOLKER Greed is good. It makes Berlin happy. ****** CHARACTERS Characters can be used to compare and contrast themes. In "War and Wine," the character of Volker has been established as greedy. What about Edmund? Is he greedy, loyal, or selfless? THE ENDING The ending of a play can also illustrate your theme. A happy ending can cement those themes that are positive and upbeat, while a cynical ending might drive home more cynical points like, "greed is good." YOUR VALUE SYSTEM How we incorporate theme into our life affects our values. (usually our value system is expressed through our characters) Themes like identity, integrity, community, and self-esteem are dynamic and can evolve as us, and our characters have more experiences and grow. As you read, "War and Wine," do you think loyalty is more important to Edmund than honesty at the beginning of the story? For those following our play, "War and Wine," Scene II has been added.
DISCUSSION: What is your favorite movie or play? What's the theme of it? Write in and share your ideas! Drama Competitions Thanks to flex who sent this in! The 4th STAGE International Script Competition. This contest is looking for plays (approx 70 mins running) that focus on science and technology. The science fiction genre is not wanted. Here's a link: http://www.cnsi.ucsb.edu/stage/guidelines/guidelines.html Next: Shadows & Light in drama writing. 
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