Drama facts for kids
Drama is a special kind of story. It can be found in many places, like books, TV shows, and movies. You might also see drama in a play performed on a stage. Even some dances can tell a dramatic story!
The word "drama" comes from an old Greek word meaning "action." But often, drama is more about how people feel and interact with each other. It explores their relationships and challenges. Dramas usually have a serious feeling. They often show important events or difficult situations. While drama is different from comedy, sometimes a story can have both serious and funny parts. Drama often includes exciting events, interesting conversations, and unexpected twists.
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What is Drama?
Drama is a type of literature that tells a story. It is meant to be performed or acted out. This means people can watch it come to life. Drama helps us understand human feelings and experiences. It shows us how characters deal with problems and make choices.
Different Kinds of Drama
Drama can take many forms. Here are some common ones:
- Plays: These are stories written to be performed on a stage. Actors bring the characters to life for an audience.
- Movies and TV Shows: These are dramas shown on screens. They use cameras and special effects to tell their stories.
- Novels: Some books are written in a dramatic style. They focus on character development and exciting plots.
- Dance: Sometimes, dancers use their movements to tell a dramatic story without words.
Drama and Emotions
Dramas often explore strong emotions. They can make you feel sad, excited, or thoughtful. Characters in dramas face challenges. They might deal with love, loss, or big decisions. This focus on feelings helps us connect with the story. It also helps us learn about ourselves and others.
Drama vs. Comedy
Drama is often seen as the opposite of comedy. Comedies usually aim to make you laugh. They have happy endings. Dramas, however, tend to be more serious. They might have sad or thought-provoking endings. But it's important to remember that many stories mix both. A drama can have funny moments, and a comedy can have serious parts.
The History of Drama
Drama has been around for thousands of years. Ancient Greeks were famous for their plays. They performed tragedies and comedies in large outdoor theaters. Over time, drama changed and grew. Different cultures around the world developed their own unique forms of drama. From ancient rituals to modern films, drama continues to be a powerful way to tell stories and explore the human experience.
Images for kids
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Depiction of a scene from Shakespeare's play Richard III
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Relief of a seated poet (Menander) with masks of New Comedy, 1st century BC – early 1st century AD, Princeton University Art Museum
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An ivory statuette of a Roman actor of tragedy, 1st century CE.
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Stage drawing from a 15th-century vernacular morality play The Castle of Perseverance (as found in the Macro Manuscript).
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Colley Cibber as the extravagant and affected Lord Foppington, "brutal, evil, and smart", in Vanbrugh's The Relapse (1696).
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A 1958 U.S.S.R. postage stamp commemorating Guan Hanqing, one of the great Chinese dramatists, who is renowned for his "zaju" plays.
