Play (theatre)

Play (theatre)

A play is a form of literature written by a playwright, usually consisting of scripted dialogue between characters, intended for theatrical performance rather than just reading. Plays are performed at a variety of levels, from Broadway, Off-Broadway, regional theater, to Community theatre as well as University or school productions. There are rare dramatists, notably George Bernard Shaw, who have had little preference whether their plays were performed or read. The term "play" can refer to both the written works of playwrights and to their complete theatrical performance.

Genres

Plays can be divided into a number of genres, including tragedy, comedy, and drama. Modern plays often deviate from these conventions, and playwrights may use elements of multiple genres or invent new ones.

Tragedy

A tragedy is a play that ends in the downfall and death of its main character or characters. Tragedies often explore themes of fate, destiny, and the human condition. Famous examples include William Shakespeare's Hamlet and Othello.

Comedy

Comedy plays are designed to be humorous and entertaining. They often involve misunderstandings, mistaken identity, and other comedic devices. Examples include Molière's Tartuffe and Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest.

Drama

Drama plays focus on serious, often dark, themes and situations. Dramas are typically more realistic than comedies or tragedies, and they often explore complex social and psychological issues. Examples include Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman and Tennessee Williams' A Streetcar Named Desire.

Structure

Most plays follow a traditional three-act structure, the structure of a play can be divided into three parts: setup, confrontation, and resolution. However, contemporary plays may not follow this strict format and can vary in structure.

Performance

The performance of a play involves more than just the actors on stage. It also includes directors, designers, and stage crew, who all contribute to the final production.

See also

• Theatre
• History of theatre
• List of playwrights
• Musical theatre
• Playwright