Dramatic Structure

The dramatic structure of a performance refers to the form and style of theatrical expression.

Form

Form refers to the shape and general nature of a performance. Form is directly related to function. It can be a reference to the type of performance. It can refer to less scripted performance types such as mime, dance, circus, opera, commedia, musical, puppetry and street theatre.

To use an architectural analogy, different buildings have different forms because they have different functions. The Sydney Opera House has an entirely different function to an office block. The two buildings look different and are composed differently in accordance with their purpose and function. It is the same in dramatic performance. Different dramatic forms look different and are composed differently according to their purpose and function.

Theatrically there are better and worse ways of expressing an idea, depending upon the overall intention. The most appropriate form of expression should be chosen for the performance as a whole and for individual scenes.

Theatre is not an exact slice of life. Theatre is a piece of life prodded and poked, molded and manipulated, extended and exaggerated. There was never meant to be life – it is meant to pass comment on life. As Aristotle said, “A play is an imitation of action, not the action itself.”

Style

Generally speaking, style refers to the appearance of something. In Drama, acting style refers to the specific approach taken by an actor in a performance. The appearance of the acting style will vary in appearance depending upon the approach and the choices undertaken by the actor. The style of acting is often contingent on the dramatic form. Again, the style of acting should reflect purpose and different dramatic forms will demand different acting styles.
Theatrical styles tend to be manifestations of a very specific form of theatre such as Brechtian, Expressionism, Naturalism and Greek.





The following are examples of some different acting styles:

1. Cinematic: using short scenes which are often strongly visual to present pieces of information as in a film.

2. Declamatory: a stylized form of acting involving exaggerated characterisation, use of big gestures, loud and stylised voice and showy movement. Used in period acting

3. Eclectic: A style of drama, which uses a varie of sources and has an intermingling ofall types oCtheatre and acting styles/techniques Eg. Realism used along with non-naturalistic techniques

4. Epic: A form of theatre or drama, which deals with historical themes, universal, issues and adds an epic or larger dimension to the piece.

5. The fourth wall: the concept of the audience peeking at reality onto the stage through the imaginary fourth 'wall'.

6. Gestic: a type of acting style, which uses big physical gestures on stage. These are often very stylised and exaggerated eg. As in melodrama.

7. Melodrama: a type of drama which deals with virtue and uses stereotyped characters; stylised, gestic acting style, spectacular scenes and visuals and big movements backed up by music.

8. Naturalism:, a type of drama, which aims to achieve a “slice of life” and to detail and mirror real life. It uses real conversation and characterisation in a deliberate attempt to create reality.
9. Non-naturalism: drama, which deliberately is not realistic and heightens or alters perceptions of time, place and reality.

10. Personalisation: a technique in which actors make connection with the emotions and experiences of the character by discovering the same characteristics, attributes and qualities in themselves.

11. Presentational: the style of performance which is openly theatrical and delivered directly to the audience (non-realistic device)

12. Realism: a type of drama, which is based on real life and uses real sets, characters and dialogue. Language and theme are often heightened for impact. Often deals with social problems and issues.

13. Representational: the style of performance that is illusory and
represents life with fidelity; delivered only by characters who ignore the audience whom they pretend is non-existent (Or hiding behind the imaginary fourth wall).

14. Romanticism: an emotional passionate style of drama, which deals with affairs of the heart, religious ideals, and freedom and has a strong emphasis on the needs of both the masses and the individual. Explores the world of fantasy.

15. Super-realism: theatre which is so real it feels like it reaches out and touches the audience. Often performed in small theatres. Uses real props and experiences.