Drama: Convention or Element

Convention or Element: Situation

• The setting and circumstances of the dramatic action. 

• The who, what, where, when and what is at stake of the roles/characters. 

• The physical/emotional and social environment which the dramatic action unfolds. 

• Convention

• Element

Answer explanation

Situation is part of the element The Human Context.

Convention or Element: Tension

• Driving force of drama. 

• Engages audience and creates anticipation and excitement. 

• Four types: mystery, relationship, surprise and task. 

• Convention

• Element

Convention or Element: Hybridity

Dramatic action that is created using conventions from multiple styles of forms 

• Convention

• Element

Convention or Element: Role

• The performer adopts the values, attitudes, status react and motivations of the role. 

• Performers act and react to the given circumstances of the drama. 

• Their relationships with others are defined by values, attitudes and behaviours particular to the type or status they represent e.g. student teacher. 

• Convention

• Element

Answer explanation

Role is part of the element The Human Context.

Convention or Element: Symbol

• The use of one thing to represent another. 

• Reinforces dramatic meaning. 

• May use objects, gestures, sounds, colours, actions and images as signs all given significance or meaning. 

• Convention

• Element

Convention or Element: Movement

The use of body to communicate meaning 

• Convention

• Element

Answer explanation

Movement on its own is an element of drama. If it was phrased as "stylised" or "exaggerated" movement, that would be classed as a convention.

Convention or Element: Mood

• Atmosphere created through the dramatic action. 

• Manipulates sound, lighting, acting style etc. 

• Convention

• Element

Convention or Element: Visual Theatre

• A form of theatre. 

• Brings multiple perspectives of elements such as time, place and characters. 

• Conventions include use of multi-media, object theatre and symbolic image. 

• Convention

• Element

Convention or Element: Hyper-Realism

• Acting Style is heightened realism. 

• 4th wall often broken with direct address. 

• Physicality and gesture often exaggerated. 

• Convention

• Element

Convention or Element: Dramatic Focus

• Directing and intensifying attention. 

• Framing moments of dramatic action – inside, outside and on the edge of action. 

• Identifying the main idea of the drama. 

• Convention

• Element