DRAM 1101 1st Edition Lecture 8 Outline of Last Lecture I The Woman Question II Why Henrik Ibsen s dramas were controversial III Problem Plays IV Realistic Theatre V Play Structure VI Seeing the production a 4 interpretations Outline of Current Lecture I Doll s House Review II Stage configurations III Dramatic structure a Arc of action IV Components of a play a Plot character theme diction music spectacle V Playwrighting a Dialogue conflict structure b Qualities of a fine play c Modern playwrights These notes represent a detailed interpretation of the professor s lecture GradeBuddy is best used as a supplement to your own notes not as a substitute VI Modern drama Current Lecture I II III IV V VI VII Doll s House a I m a human being just like you b Originally people argued that this was a play about women s rights c Ibsen said it has been a question of human rights my task has been the description of humanity i It has enduring themes that apply to all of humanity like enslavement and oppression d Modern adaptations will challenge the patriarchy and other authoritarian systems i This is why it has become a classic ii Lends itself to new interpretations of power structure issues iii Has found traction in the broader argument for human rights Stage configurations and theatre space identification a Proscenium thrust black box and arena Terms of dramatic structure a Aristotelian Climatic plot structure well made play structure b Arc of action i Exposition inciting incident conflict rising action climax falling action denouement Resolution Components of a play a Aristotle s criteria from most important to least i Plot character theme thought diction music spectacle Playwriting a All effective plays deal with three major areas i Dialogue ii Conflict iii Structure b Qualities of a fine play i Credibility and intrigue ii Speakability stageability and flow iii Richness iv Depth of characterization v Gravity and pertinence vi Compression economy and intensity c Current American Playwrights i David Mamet Tony Kushner David Henry Hwang Sarah Ruhl Lynn Nottage Modern Drama a Foundations of realism and naturalism i Melodrama b Departures from realism i Symbolism French Avant Garde expressionism metatheatre theatre of cruelty alienation the absurd etc Areas of life share connections with theatre a Ritual sports social roles etc