Theater Concepts: Dramatic Action

Questions and Answers

What is the primary 'Object' of theater?

Script Writing

Audience Interaction

Dramatic Action (correct)

Stage Design

What does dramatic action refer to?

Imitation of an action with serious implications.

Dramatic action is always real and the audience believes it.

False

What is the willful suspension of disbelief?

The audience's willingness to accept fiction as reality during the performance. Signup and view all the answers

Dramatic action can be interpreted from two aspects: observable action and ______.

motivation Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms related to dramatic action:

Dramatic Action = Imitation of an action with serious implications Observable Action = Surface action that the audience can easily identify Motivation = Reason why a character engages in an action Blueprint for Dramatic Action = Script that guides the actor's portrayal Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Theater and Dramatic Action

Theater as a performing art focuses on supporting the dramatic action for the audience's engagement.
Understanding dramatic action is essential for grasping the unique attributes of theater.

Definition of Dramatic Action

Dramatic action is described by Aristotle in "Poetics" as "imitation of an action."
Recognizing this concept is crucial to appreciating theater as an art form.

Nature of Performance

Dramatic action occurs in front of an audience, with participants aware that the events are fictional.
The awareness of fiction does not diminish the audience's engagement with the performance.

Suspension of Disbelief

Audiences experience emotional connection to fictional actions through the willful suspension of disbelief.
This cognitive process allows viewers to accept the unfolding action as real.

Interpreting Dramatic Action

Dramatic action can be viewed through two lenses:
- Observable action: The visible, surface actions easily identifiable by the audience.
- Motivation: The underlying reasons driving a character's actions, which influences an actor's portrayal.
A script serves as a blueprint for dramatic action, guiding the interpretation of both observable actions and motivations.

Description

Explore the essential concept of dramatic action in theater through flashcards. This quiz emphasizes the significance of dramatic action in the performing arts and its critical role in engaging an audience. Understanding this aspect is key to appreciating the art of theater.