Theatrical Genres Flashcards

Study Notes

Theatrical Genres Study Notes

Genre: Refers to the category or type of play, defining the play's classification within the theatrical spectrum.
Tragedy: A serious dramatic play that typically involves grave actions and themes, leading to an unhappy or disastrous conclusion.
Comedy: Characterized by a light tone, these plays address less serious issues, concluding with a happy ending aimed at entertaining the audience.
Farce: A subgenre of comedy that relies on exaggerated situations and chaotic plot developments, prioritizing entertainment and laughter over intellectual depth.
Satire: Combines comedic techniques—like wit, irony, and exaggeration—to critique and expose societal evils and foolishness.
Comedy of Manners: A form that utilizes sharp verbal wit to portray the charm of its characters, often satirizing a specific social class or group.
Melodrama: Known as "song" or "music" drama, this genre emphasizes high-stakes action, spectacular effects, and features stock characters, with clear villains and heroes. It aims to engage the audience's emotions through exaggerated storytelling.
Tragicomedy: Originating in the Renaissance, this genre blends tragic themes with happy endings, often labeled as "Problem Plays." In contemporary contexts, it merges serious and comedic elements within a single narrative.
Theatre of the Absurd: Plays within this genre convey the playwright's vision of existential absurdity and futility, often presenting a bleak outlook on the world while still incorporating elements of humor and acrobatics.

Description

Test your knowledge of theatrical genres with these flashcards! Learn about different types of plays, including tragedy, comedy, and farce. This quiz will help you understand the key characteristics and definitions of various genres in drama.