Elements of Drama in Action
Name three key elements of drama.
Role/character, tension, space (others accepted).
What is a convention in drama?
A recognised technique or rule used to shape performance.
Why is cultural consultation important when presenting First Nations stories?
To ensure respect and protect Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property.
Define “devised drama.”
Original work created collaboratively by performers.
What does “evaluate” mean in Drama studies?
To judge how effectively drama communicates meaning.
How can contrast help an audience understand a theme?
It highlights opposing ideas or emotions to build meaning.
Name one convention typical of Epic Theatre.
Direct address or placards.
Name a First Nations theatre company in Australia.
Bangarra Dance Theatre or Ilbijerri Theatre Company.
List two performance skills vital for sustaining belief in role.
Voice control and focus (or timing, movement).
What should you reference when writing a performance evaluation?
Elements of drama and conventions.
Explain how manipulating rhythm changes dramatic impact.
Altering pace shifts energy and audience engagement.
How does Physical Theatre communicate ideas without dialogue?
Uses body and movement to symbolise emotion or theme.
How can performance celebrate multiple perspectives of Australian identity?
By including diverse voices and viewpoints.
How can improvisation help develop character relationships?
Builds spontaneous responses and authenticity.
How can lighting or sound affect interpretation?
They influence mood and focus.
How might you use symbol to represent freedom?
Through repeated gesture, prop, or colour motif.
Why might a director combine styles such as Realism and Physical Theatre?
To contrast reality with abstraction for deeper meaning.
Identify a symbol often used in First Nations drama and its meaning.
Circle = community/connection to Country.
Describe how blocking contributes to dramatic meaning.
It directs audience attention and shows relationships.
Why is peer and audience feedback valuable?
It provides perspective to refine performance.
Analyse how two elements work together to shape meaning in a performance you’ve seen.
Open answer – link elements to audience effect.
Evaluate how conventions were used to challenge perspectives in an Australian play.
Open – students reflect on live or scripted work
Analyse how a First Nations performance you’ve studied challenges stereotypes of Australian identity.
Open – students justify with example.
Explain how structure (beginning, middle, end) shapes audience understanding
Organises ideas and emotional journey.
Evaluate how one performance you’ve seen used drama to challenge ideas about identity.
Open – link techniques to social commentary.