A drama is composed of prose or poetry performed on a stage. The storyline is told with dialogue and action, as well as gestures, costume, and setting, similar to real life.
The origins of drama can be traced back to the religious nature that is inherent in mankind. Dramas from all countries, including English ones, are rooted in the same religious nature. Ancient Greeks and Romans dramas were largely based on religious ceremonies. The drama developed as a result of religious elements. The majority of the Bible was written in Latin and therefore, the public couldn't understand it. To explain Bible teachings, priests developed new teaching methods. The gospel story was explained in a different way, using live pictures. The cast recreated it in a dumb show
Drama- In a drama, an actor portrays a character in a performance for the theater, while delivering written dialogue.
Drama is composed of:
- Storyline
- Describing characters
- Dialogue
- Configurations
- Stage directions
- Disagreement
- Main Topic
The English drama has a long and rich history
Drama is a piece of literature performed by an actor professionally on a stage or theater in front a large audience. Drama is about conflict, action, and certain topics. Live performances are known for their impressive makeup, facial movements and body language. Drama is an art form that exists in many countries. However, Britain deserves a special mention because of the relationship it has with William Shakespeare and other legendary playwrights. The following lines will provide you with interesting facts about the origins, history and background of British theatre.
Discover the origins and history of English drama
The appearance of something new
In the Middle Ages England was introduced to drama by the Romans. The land was flooded with auditoriums for this performance. Mummers' plays based on Morris dancing became popular during this time. The performance is based upon the folktales of St. George and Robin Hood. The artist travelled from town-to-town to perform these folktales. They received hospitality and money in return for their services. The Christian theme of the mystery plays and morals at the medieval festival was evident in both.
English Renaissance
The English Renaissance – a cultural, artistic and literary movement in English that lasted for a period between 16th century to early 17th – paved way for British Drama's dominance. Elizabeth I ruled during a period of great poetry, drama and art. William Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe were among the notable playwrights who ruled at this time. Writers composed plays on history, tragedy, and comedy. Shakespeare, a playwright who specialized in all three genres of plays, was a rare artist.
Interregnum (1649-1660)
Puritans closed British Theaters during Armistice because of their ideological and religious reasons. London theaters were reopened in 1660, shortly after "Reconstruction". The theater flourished thanks to Prince Charles. Public attention was attracted by the work of modern playwrights as well as the professional appearance of female actors in dramas. The Yushin was established in
Drama was a great opportunity to introduce genres that were not commonly used at the time, like Yushin and comedy. Aphra B. Behn's Tramp (1677), John Drydens All for Love 1677 and (AurengZebe), Thomas Otways Venice Preserved, Thomas Otways Venice Preserved were some of the most popular plays during this time. The recovery period's comedy was marked by its sexual candor. In 1660, Prince Charles II's court and the aristocratic spirit they possessed encouraged such plays. They continued to be performed until 1685.
18 century
British Restoration comedy began in late 17th-century Britain, but declined as the 18th-century dawned. In this period, family tragedy and emotional comedy became popular. Burlesque, musical entertainment and fair booths flourished in this period. This was the era that preceded British music halls.
Victorian Era (1837-1901)
During Victorian times, musical burlesques and comedy operas competed against Shakespeare's plays. Reed Entertainment, an 1855 German company, attempted to create a music theater in England.
The first musical comedies from the Edwardian period were released in 1890. Since the advent of public transportation, audiences have moved and can now attend theaters until late in the evening. The number and variety of English theaters have increased dramatically. Due to this, the length of theater performances increased.
With time, theater attendance increased. Drama became a profitable business. This increased audience resulted in a higher production value for drama. The popularity of this art form is reflected in its consistent performances. W. S. Gilbert's and Oscar Wilde's fame grew towards the Victorian era end. Wilde's plays are similar to those written by Edwardian playwrights like George Bernard Shaw in Ireland and Henrik Ibsen in Norway.
The Current Time
Andrew Lloyd Webber was the author of many musical dramas in the 20th Century. He dominated on stage at that time. His work is extremely popular. The play was performed on Broadway and in other countries. Some have been adapted into feature-length films. Postmodernism played a significant role in the development of British drama by the end 20th century. Shaftesbury Avenue is still home to many theaters. Royal Shakespeare Company is based in Stratfordupon Avon. This is Shakespeare's birthplace.
List of famous English dramas
- Hamlet
- Macbeth
- King Lear
- Romeo and Juliet
- It is important to be sincere
- Othello
- The Trader of Venice is a play about a man who borrows money from a rich Jewish moneylender in order to help his friend, only to find that the loan comes with a difficult condition.
- Twelfth night
William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare, the father English drama. He wrote 18 comedies as well as 10 tragedies and ten histories. Shakespeare's period began in 16th-century community theaters. He was a master of the Elizabethan and modern stages, with his ingenuity. William Shakespeare was a playwright who also acted. He is considered to be one of the most famous playwrights in English and in the world. He's often called Britain's national poem and "The Bard of Avon".
To sum up
A drama is composed of prose or poetry and is performed on a stage. It tells the story through dialogue, actions, gestures, costumes and settings, just as it would in real-life. Drama has its roots in the religion of humanity. Dramas from all countries, including English ones, are rooted in the same religious nature. Ancient Greek or Roman dramas mostly dealt with religious ceremonies. Its origin is not known. The Norman Conquest is credited by many historians as the reason why the drama arrived in England. The Romans in England built a massive Amphitheater where they performed plays. They left England and the Amphitheater was gone. The development of English drama is an important part of English Literature.
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