List of basic theatre topics

For a more comprehensive list, see the List of theatre topics.

Theatre Portal

Basic topics in theater include:

[edit] Nature of theatre

Main article: Theatre

There are a variety of genres that writers, producers and directors can employ in theatre to suit a variety of tastes:

There are a variety of theatrical styles used in theatre and drama. These include

Absurdism – presents a perspective that all human attempts at significance are illogical. Ultimate truth is chaos with little certainty. There is no necessity that need drive us.
Expressionism – anti-realistic in seeing appearance as distorted and the truth lying within man. The outward appearance on stage can be distorted and unrealistic to portray an eternal truth.
Melodrama – sentimental drama with musical underscoring, often with an unlikely plot that concerns the suffering of the good at the hands of evildoers but ends happily with good triumphant. Featuring stock characters such as the noble hero, the long-suffering damsel in distress, and the cold-blooded villain.
Modernism – a broad concept that sees art, including theatre, as detached from life in a pure way and able to reflect on life critically.
Naturalism – portraying life on stage with close attention to detail, based on observation of real life.
Postmodernism – there are multiple meanings, and meaning is what you create, not what is. This approach often uses other media and breaks accepted conventions and practices.
Realism – portraying characters on stage that are close to real life, with realistic settings and staging.

Main article: History of theatre

Main article: List of theatre topics

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