In literature, the definitions of drama, theatre, and performance
In literature, the definitions of drama, theatre, and performance are correlated. However, from a theatrical perspective, each of the three terms has its own concrete definition. Although the terms are related in one way or the other, scholars have been trying to establish a deeper understanding of the terms separately from one another. Despite the separate definitions given to drama, theatre, and performance, there is no way that you can talk about drama or theatre without talking about performance. Authors such as Christopher Balme in his text "Introduction: Drama, Theatre and Culture" introduces the reader to the understanding of theatre, drama, and performance based on evidence from research and studies conducted by scholars in the theatrical field. On the other hand, Worthen W. B in his text "Introduction: Drama, Theatre and Culture" highlights the interaction between drama, theatre, and culture, pointing out how drama and theatre are used to express values and traditions of a culture. This paper summarizes the definitions of drama, theatre, and performance drawing from the two passages by Balme and Worthen.
Balme’s analysis on theatre, drama, and performance
Balme’s text offers an in-depth analysis of theatre, drama, and performance drawing from various theatrical studies. It highlights that in order to develop a deeper understanding of the three terms, there are key elements that need to be considered, these are; space, spectators and performers (Balme 10). With these three elements, we can be able to establish the definitions of drama, theatre, and performance with ease since it shows that there is a correlation between the three terms. It is these three elements that also distinguish drama from a theatre. Borrowing from Balme’s passage, drama can be defined as a form of fiction represented in performance. Drama takes the form of a story or a form of fiction presented to an audience through performance or dialogue. From the studies employed by the author, drama can also be said to be a type of play written for the sake of its performance on the theatre. It is this definition that portrays the relationship between drama and theatre.
The components of a theatre and its distinction from drama
While drama is defined from the form of a story conveyed using theatrical elements such as music, sound, costumes, and acting, a theatre has three basic components namely; space, actors/performers, and the audience. According to the author, it is these properties that distinguish theatre from drama. It is therefore evident from the passage that it is the performance of drama and theatre that creates the distinction between the two terms. From a theatrical perspective, performance can be defined as the interaction between the performers/actors and the audience. On the other hand, in drama, performance can be defined as play conveyed in the form of acting.
Historical and philosophical approach to defining drama, theatre, and performance
Worthen’s text, on the other hand, takes a historical and a philosophical approach towards defining drama, theatre, and performance. Just like Balme, Worthen employs a comparative perspective of defining drama and theatre. However, the author takes a deeper perspective of analyzing the two terms basing on historical and philosophical theatrical studies. Worthen engages the reader in a discussion of the Greek or political theatre with the aim of developing a concrete definition of theatre (Worthen 2). Worthen’s passage draws its information from philosophers and historians, one of the forms of theatre that the author explores is the Shakespearean theatre which is known for shaping the definitions of theatre as well as drama. It is through the author’s historical and philosophical approach that the reader gets to know that the term theatre originated from the Greek word "Theatron" which implies "a place to behold." This definition reinforces Balme’s assertion that theatre is composed of the property of space which distinguishes it from drama. It is also from Greek or political theatre that we are introduced to the definition of drama as a form of action.
Drama, theatre, and performance as vehicles of culture
Worthen’s passage goes a step further in his definition of both drama and theatre by exploring how drama and theatre have been used as a means of passing on culture from generation to generation. In fact, the author argues that both drama and theatre are a product of the Greek culture. It is at this stage that Worthen introduces the reader to the definition of performance. He argues that it is through performance that the Greek culture of drama and theatre was able to be passed on from the Ancient Greek times to the present day. Therefore, without performance, it is less likely that we would be having this discussion on the definition of drama and theatre. In a nutshell, both the passages by Balme and Worthen highlight that there is a strong correlation between drama, theatre, and performance. Despite their varying definitions, one cannot talk about one term without referring to the other.
Works Cited
Balme, Christopher B. "Introduction: theatre and theatre Studies’, Cambridge Introduction to Theatre Studies, 2008. pp. 1-12.
Worthen, William B. Introduction: Drama, Theatre, and Culture’, The Wadsworth Anthology of Drama, 2004. pp. 1-5.
