The GCSE Drama Bible - Part 1 - Styles & Genres

Everything that you possibly ever need to write about or refer to in GCSE Drama will be posted here...read, enjoy but more importantly use!! You are all welcome :-) This is Part 1 so keep your eyes peeled for the next instalment.

Styles of Drama

• Naturalistic - The performance is as close to real life as possible.
• Non - naturalistic - The performance is more theatrical and tells the story using a variety of techniques such as flashbacks; direct address to the audience; multi-role play.
• Physical Theatre - This literally means the performance is more physical. To tell the story performers focus on the use of their body or movement. e.g. Mask Work, body as props/scenery, mime.
• Theatre in Education(TIE) - a play that is created to teach a particular lesson. Often toured round schools and to young people and will often be followed by a workshop or discussion about the topic.

Genres of Drama

• Comedy - the story shown is funny and ends happily. There are many types of comedy that all have a different style and purpose.
• Slapstick - physical comedy that centres around accidents, mock fights and humiliation. Often known as Farce.
• Tragedy - the story shown is sad and usually involves the death or downfall of it's main character/s
• Gritty realism - about realistic issues, usually working class and less than well off people.
• Historical Drama - set in a particular historical period.
• Docudrama - looks like a documentary with reconstructions (Crimewatch)

There are of course more styles and genres...but we can keep adding to this list!