Drama is a great tool for teachers to teach
students to teach language. It is communicative and interactive language
presentation which engages the student enthusiastically. Using dramatic
techniques can enhance the quality and effect of the drama. However, the
techniques given by me may not be the best ones but I write this post to give
the world what I use in my drama with my students and what I have tested
effectively. I hope you would use them in your productions making your play
awesome.
01. Character Narrator
Narrator is the person who gives the introduction
of the drama giving background details and they introduce characters and their
traits. However, in modern dramas we see the usage of narrators a bit disturbing
to the flow of the drama. Here, you can use characters to introduce themselves
and the background in their dialogues in an unobtrusive manner. Characters can
introduce themselves or other characters in their dialogues and discuss background
details in their gossips. You may have seen most producers use this method
quiet effectively.
02. Juxtaposition
Juxtaposition is a great effective tool to show
contrast on the stage. You can take characters, places or objects side by side
and to show their differences and similarities. In one drama I have seen that
the stage is hypothetically divided into two parts and two settings are
displayed to contrast two social realizations which has created an outstanding
impact on the audience.
03. Super Dimension
This is
another awesome effect that most choreographers add in their productions to
enhance the presentation. Creating a virtual stage apart from traditional
front, middle or back stage can be introduced as a super dimension. Here you
may have seen some characters’ act on higher platforms and some characters comes
down on a suspended stage. These can create a visual impact and give an extra
power and effect to the character on the stage. You can juxtapose certain
characters with the other using this method. Overall, this can create a dazzling
effect on your viewers.
04. Freezing
This is another technique that you can create a
great visual impact. Freezing means a pausing the movement of the drama. You
can use this to let the audience understand some exaggerated emotions like fear,
horror or sadness. Sometimes this is used to mark the climax of the drama.
However, it is advisable to use this effect with a purpose otherwise the
viewers will not perceive the message passing through. This is a wonderful
technique you must try in your drama too.
05. Fast Forward
This is the total opposite of freezing. You can
either make this a fast forward or slow forward. You can create a reverse
actions too. This is like you use your remote controller to move the scenes
forward or backward. This can create a cinematic visual impact. You can use
this to highlight some actions on the stage or quickly move the scene off. To
use this, you must have proper practice and all the actors must synchronize to
get the outcome perfect. I have seen most modern dramatists use this technique
in great effect.
06. Aside
Aside is a traditional technique in dramas
where the character speaks his own mind. This is great to bring dramatic irony
to the stage. For example: A character speaks his evil plans using aside which
the other characters on the stage are unaware of but the audience know what is
going on. You can use this to add humor to the play too. This can be used to
reveal the real-image of the character too. There can be many other uses, if
you know more uses please let us know them by commenting below.
07. Curtain Call
At the end of the play the actors come and
thank the audience in the curtain call. However, the director can use this
point creatively give an epilogue to the drama or it can be introduced as a
part of the drama creating the end much appealing. I have seen in some dramas
the resolution is brought to the stage in the curtain call. In some sudden-end
dramas the producer can think of a creative way to bring curtain call to the
stage.
08. Humor
Humor is a must need ingredient for dramas in
my opinion. It is like the sweet covering around the bitter pill. You can bring
out some serious issues using humor to impart messages smoothly. In some
serious dramas, I have seen humor is craftily used to break the monotony of
the drama. It helps to keep the audience alive till the end without any boredom.
However, if it is not a comedy drama, you have to use it carefully not harming
the theme or overall message of the drama. I find this is one of the must have ingredient
in dramas.
09. Dramatized Moments
Drama is different form movies because of this
very reason. Drama is an exaggerated form of emotions and actions. In that
exaggerated presentation there can be greater exaggerated moments to highlight occasions.
These are dramatized moments. Puzzled? For example: I have seen in one drama, a
wife tries to pull out the hat off from his husband’s head climbing on to his
hips. The reason is some scoundrels have added glue into it. This action can be
unusual but it creates an exaggerated moment which can create a wonderful
effect. Dramatized moments beautify the drama, they are like small decorations
which would make the final outcome much beautiful. Hope you use this in your
productions too.
10. Yours Technique
This is the best technique of all. Why don’t
you think of one of your technique? Think of a technique with a purpose which
it totally new and unique to you. This can bring uniqueness to your drama
creating one of your brands. I have seen in many choreographies; we can spot
the producer in their creations. It’s like branding which no one can copy. All
these dramatic techniques you see now may be one of the experiments of past
great dramatists. Who knows? your technique can be written in future dramas
too.
Techniques of the drama is a vast subject. I
have only introduced few of my own experiences. There may be things to extend
which you can comment below. I hope you would use these to enhance your
productions. Why don’t you share your own experiences with me for I’m really
looking forward to your comments.
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