Genre and style
Director Anastasia Osei-Kuffour explains the structure, style and genre of the play Cuttin' It by Charlene James
The genreThe type of story being told. of a play refers to the type of story being told and is decided by the playwrightSomeone who writes plays. . The styleHow theatrical ideas are presented on stage. of a play is how the work is presented on stage.
For example, a play in the tragedyA type of drama in which characters undergo suffering or calamity and which usually ends with a death. A sad or catastrophic event causing suffering or death. genre features a serious plot with a sad ending, whereas a comedyA light-hearted drama that is played for laughs. features a light-hearted plot with a happy ending. Epic theatreA style or movement of theatre that focuses on political ideas, ensuring that the audience are engaged and questioning the action. Bertolt Brecht鈥檚 ideas are usually categorised as Epic theatre., developed by Bertolt BrechtA German theatre practitioner associated with Epic theatre., seeks to educate the audience about political issues. It uses a range of dramatic devices to remind the audience that they are watching a play, keeping the audience intellectually and politically engaged, rather than just emotionally involved or entertained.
Physical theatre, on the other hand, is a style of theatre where the storytelling or emotional content is achieved through physical movement, rather than just dialogue. Melodrama is a style that features a highly dramatic plot, an over-the-top acting style and stock characterA classic and two-dimensional character, often seen as a clich茅, eg an evil villain or a noble hero..
Many modern plays incorporate a range of different genres and performance styles, each with its own characteristics. Plays that mix genres and styles like this are known as mixed formWhen different forms, styles and genres are mixed for effect..