Apr 022009
Part 3 in a series exploring the use of various dramatic elements.
My definition of tension:
Tension can sometimes be used as an interchangeable term with conflict. But where it differs, lies in the development of suspense in a performance. As the audience anticipates certain outcomes in the plot, the tension builds. An obvious example of rising tension is in a mystery or whodunit. The development of tension usually parallels the advancement of the plot, leading to a crisis or climax. Tension is closely linked with timing.
After a bit of workshopiing and analytical discussion, my Drama students concluded:
- tension should preferably have the opportunity to build in the drama
- if tension builds too slowly, it will die in the middle of a scene
- if tension builds too quickly, it may appear ineffective or artificial
- pace now becomes a key factor in the development of tension
- tension can occur when performers raise their voice > shouting
- the opposite is also true, as tension can also occur with stillness and silence in the drama
- tension can be created by the unknown
- tension can be created simply by the audience following where characters look on (or off) stage
- tension can be created via heavy use of emotion/s with and between characters
- blocking (positioning of actors) can also create tension
Hey, I need some one to please tell me what the other elements of drama are?
Like, The
Tension, Mystery, Relationship etc. i cant remeber the others, and i REALLY need them for my drama assignement,
thankyou, X
Dramatic Irony.
Role, Relationship, Situation, Tension, Focus, Mood, Symbol, Language, Movement, Space, Ti
Contrast, Climax, Conflict, Mood, Rhythm, Sound, Symbol, Space, Timing, Tension, Language, Focus
there the ones we sorta focus on
My theatre class just finished a production of Dark of The Moon. Tension is the most important element. Watching the performance, I can now say that tension is very simply two people sharing the same space with different needs or even the same needs. The problem is one is matter, the other anti-matter. As long as they don’t make contact the “tension” between them can be measured by the physical distance, the psychological/emotional distance……tension can be created by two people standing at the farthest end of the stage from each other, or two people only arms length apart….tension is a psychological war…tension is fighting for one’s existence …tension can be those same two people struggling to come together…when all forces are against the union…tension is very simply internal struggle physicalized and bouncing off a resistant force. I think it is really that simple. Tempo-rhythm plays a significant role in sending that message to the audience. The playwright is directly responsible for building “tension.” The structure of the play will either build to the most electric moment, or if mistimed by superfluous writing, the tension can be lost. I’ve discovered my students find it organically if the text is well-written.
A question for Wanda.
Just wondering where you got a copy of Dark of the Moon as it sounds interesting and I need to find 4 class plays this year?
I think Tension can best be described as the anticipation of what is to come. That is the how I teach it and it seems to be the best way of communicating this to the students!
My list of dramatic elements are as follows:
Role
Character
Situation
Focus
Tension
Place
Time
Dramatic Structure
Language
Sound
Movement
Moment
Space
Rythym
Symbol
Atmosphere
Dramatic Meaning
Audience engagement
Enjoy.
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please i need a brief explanation on the people involed in drama
hiii how can we use tension focus in sentence??
please reply
l think thats cool
estoryaheee. it is not the one .
Can anyone define relationship