The Contemporary Political Play: Rethinking Dramaturgical Structure

The contemporary political play is a vibrant and evolving genre that is constantly pushing the boundaries of what theater can do. Playwrights are using innovative techniques to reflect the complexities of contemporary politics, and in ng so, they are challenging traditional dramaturgical structures.

The Contemporary Political Play: Rethinking Dramaturgical Structure

by Sarah Grochala

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1442 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	259 pages
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

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The Traditional Dramaturgical Structure

Traditional dramaturgical structure is based on the Aristotelian model, which consists of five parts: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. This structure provides a clear and logical framework for telling a story, and it has been used by playwrights for centuries.

However, contemporary political plays often depart from this traditional structure. Playwrights are experimenting with different ways of telling stories, and they are finding that the traditional structure can be limiting.

Non-Linear Storytelling

One of the most common ways that contemporary political plays challenge traditional dramaturgical structure is by using non-linear storytelling. This technique allows playwrights to explore different aspects of a story from multiple perspectives and in different time frames.

For example, in Branden Jacobs-Jenkins' play An Octoroon, the story is told in a non-linear fashion, jumping back and forth in time to explore the history of race in America. This technique allows Jacobs-Jenkins to show how the past is always present in the present, and how it continues to shape our lives.

Multiple Perspectives

Another way that contemporary political plays challenge traditional dramaturgical structure is by using multiple perspectives. This technique allows playwrights to explore a single event from different points of view, giving the audience a more complete picture of what happened.

For example, in Anne Washburn's play Mr. Burns, a Post-Electric Play, the story is told from the perspectives of multiple characters who are trying to survive in a post-apocalyptic world. This technique allows Washburn to explore the different ways that people cope with trauma and loss.

Experimental Forms

Some contemporary political plays go even further in challenging traditional dramaturgical structure by using experimental forms. These plays may not have a clear narrative or characters, and they may rely on non-traditional theatrical techniques such as movement, sound, and video.

For example, in Nina Raine's play Tribes, the story is told through a series of vignettes that explore the lives of a deaf family and their hearing son. This technique allows Raine to explore the different ways that people communicate and how deafness can affect identity.

The Future of the Contemporary Political Play

The contemporary political play is a vital and ever-evolving genre. Playwrights are constantly finding new ways to challenge traditional dramaturgical structures and explore the complexities of contemporary politics.

As the world becomes increasingly complex, it is likely that contemporary political plays will continue to push the boundaries of what theater can do. These plays will continue to challenge our assumptions about how stories should be told, and they will continue to inspire and provoke us.

The contemporary political play is a powerful and important genre that is helping us to understand the world around us. By challenging traditional dramaturgical structures, playwrights are finding new ways to tell stories about the complexities of contemporary politics.

These plays are essential viewing for anyone who wants to understand the world we live in. They will challenge your assumptions, provoke your thinking, and inspire you to see the world in a new way.

The Contemporary Political Play: Rethinking Dramaturgical Structure

by Sarah Grochala

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1442 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	259 pages
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE