 Drama: December 26, 2007 Issue [#2134] |
  Drama
This week: Edited by: StephBee  
More Newsletters By This Editor 
1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions
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DRAMA IS:
#1 - The Greek word for "action."
#2 - A real situtation or succession of events having the dramatic progression or emotional content of a play.
In my last newsletter we talked about Tennessee Williams's play, "A Streetcar Named Desire." What does it take to write a play? What are some things to keep in mind when when putting a play together? Let's take a look. |
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Before we begin, I have an editor's note: In my last newsletter, I should have posted the links where I got my information for my topic. I'd like to do that now. Information was taken from Wikipedia and SparkNotes at: www.sparknotes.com/lit/streetcar/ and en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Streetcar_Named_Desire_(play).
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What is it about a play that makes it special? The live actors and audience make it an intimate experience for all involved. There's a buzz in the air that engerizes everyone in the theatre.
There are different types of plays to consider before you start out.
10 Minute Play
This takes place in one scene and is no more than ten pages written. It focuses on one plot point and has a compact beginning, middle, and end.
One Act Play
This play lasts between 15-30 minutes. It also focuses on one plot point and one main character. Typically, the play should strive to remain in one scene.
Full Length Play
This lasts at least seventy plus minutes. It's meant to given a full evening's entertainment, but the general guidance is not to let it last more than the length of a movie, unless it's really good.
What should the play look like?
In the published play format, write the character name, dialogue and internmittent (stage direction) from left to right except for a small indent when beginning a line. This saves space and makes it readable.
Example:
MIHAI: Were you with Viktor?
THERESA: (pauses) Yes. He confided in me the nature of his condition and I stayed in the dungeon with him.
MIHAI: That's all?
There is no set format, but there are plenty of scriptwriting programs available to help you out. Now, if you are submitting to theatre company, contest, publishers or agents, there is a format to follow.
TITLE PAGE
CAST PAGE
ACT/SCENE HEADING
AT RISE DIRECTION
A stage direction at the beginning of an act or a scene that describes what is on stage literally "at rise" of the curtain, or more commonly in contemporary theater, as the lights come up.
TRANSITIONS
Editor's Challenge: Write a one act play that revolves around Valentine's Day. Submit it to the Drama Newsletter and I'll feature it in my Editor's Picks. Outstanding entries will receive a merit badge for drama.
Reference information for this newsletter was taken from the following website, "PlayWriting 101." at: http://www.playwriting101.com
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Here are some editor's picks that are presented in the script/playwriting format:
| |  | Fort fight scene (13+)
Two members of a fort stand guard and know that Indians are in the area. A battle erupts.
#1361321 by aston70  |
| |  | Invalid Item
This item number is not valid.
#1361002 by Not Available. |
| | | Paint (E)
An enigmatic and abstract short dramatic scene about human relationships.
#1357572 by Barefoot Beat |
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Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form
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Here's feedback on my newsletter regarding "A Streetcar Named Desire."
April Sunday
One strong objection here, hon and this comment is not meant to demean the author in anyway at all. Unless you had this memorized you really owe it to the source or sources to cite a bilbio for the nl. Even when using memory serves knowledge, folks usually say where they base their essays. This adds to the weight of the message, seldom if ever subtracts.
Well, Merry Merry!
You are absolutely right, I should have listed my sources. I forgot. It was a mistake on my part. I listed my references above for the "Steetcar" newsletter.
SHERRI GIBSON 
Great newsletter, Steph! I especially liked the part about combining fantasy and reality. The remake of "A Streetcar Named Desire" with actor Treat Williams was also good. His character is a good example of reality.
Sherri, I saw that remake, too and I thought Treat was great in the role. It was very powerful.
revdbob
Not only is the screenplay not the heart of drama, it isn't even the heart of plays. It is the other way around: drama is the heart of the play, and screenplay is only a particular kind of play. Thanks for your newsletter. I know it's a lot of work.
Bob
Yes, I agree. The Drama is the heart of the play. 
bazilbob
I studied A Streetcar Named Desire at A Level. Fantastic play, one to be read
as well as seen, as the stage directions are so rich and beautifully written. A
different interpretation to the given, is that it is a confrontation between the
old South and the new America, with the new America surviving. The new America
is represented as Stanley, who might be 'uncivlised' in the southern terms, but
he survives the attack of the south. He and Stella were happy together, before
Blanche appeared and started trying to turn her sister against Stanley. Blanche
is also not the southern belle she claimes to be, she's effectively a slut, her
relationship with the 17 year old student was merely the last straw, she used
to rent out a room in the Tarantula, a motel where prostitutes work, and seduce
men there. In a way her rape is justice (only in the terms of the play, I don't
mean that rape in reality can be justified!) Stanley is not only angry about
her interference with his marriage, but also with his friend, Mitch, as well as
Blanche's continuous flirting with Stanley. Stanley's character is not as simple
as an abuser and a rapist, Williams is much more sympathetic than that.
Yes, that was one thing I noticed while doing the research for the newsletter, the reoccurring themes you mentioned. I agree that the character of Stanley is more complicated than just being described as an "abuser" or "rapist." In the hands of a very skilled actor, one can come to understand Stanley past the stereotypes.
Happy Holidays to all and have a great start to the New Year!
StephBee is a 911 Dispatcher for LAPD. She is a divisonal reporter for "The Thin Blue Line," the LAPPL monthly magazine for LAPD officers. Her latest novel, "The Wolf's Torment," is available on Amazon.com.
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