Drama: Introduction and Historical Background

Drama

← Derived from the Greek word “Dran” (Draw), meaning imitation or play

The word ‘Drama’ originates from the Greek word “Dran”, which means “to do” or “to act”. In Punjabi, it is also called ‘Natak’. Drama is a genre of literature that is written not just for reading but for performance on stage. This art is a beautiful blend of writing and acting that brings various aspects of human life to life before the audience.

← Presenting a specific event of life in the same way as it originally happened

The basic definition of drama is to present an event, story, or incident of life through characters in such a way that the viewer feels it is completely ‘real’. When actors come on stage, deliver dialogues, and express emotions, the story emerges from paper and takes the form of reality. This is the true power of drama that directly affects the reader or spectator.

← Religious dramas in Greece, gods and goddesses

Drama began in ancient Greece. Initially, dramas were part of religious festivals, and stories of gods and goddesses were presented in allegorical style. Through these dramas, people were taught ethics and religious beliefs. Greek tragedy still holds a special place in world literature today.

← Archilles the Greek wrote a drama about Alexander’s conquests; this was the first written drama

History tells us that a Greek writer named Archilles wrote a drama on the conquests and bravery of Alexander the Great. This is considered the first formal ‘written drama’ in literary history, which gave dramatic writing a historical and narrative color.

← Aristotle called drama an imitation of reality in his book “Poetics”

The great Greek philosopher Aristotle discussed the art of drama extensively in his famous book “Poetics”. According to Aristotle, drama is the “Imitation of Action”. He believed that humans are naturally inclined to imitate, and drama is the highest expression of this instinct. Aristotle greatly emphasized the artistic necessities of drama such as plot, character, dialogue, and unity of impression.

← “Shakuntala” by Kalidasa in Sanskrit

If we look at the ancient literature of the subcontinent, Kalidasa’s drama “Shakuntala” in Sanskrit emerges as a masterpiece. This drama holds the status of a pillar in the tradition of Eastern dramatic writing, in which love, separation, and human emotions are described with great subtlety.

Reality and Intellectual Aspect of Drama

The definition and significance of drama have been clarified by the sayings of the world’s great thinkers and writers:

“Drama is not a representation of reality but an imitation of nature.”

— Coleridge

This indicates that drama reflects various colors of human nature rather than presenting life exactly as it is.

“All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players. This life is a drama, and we are all playing our roles in it.”

— Shakespeare

This famous saying reveals the deep relationship between life and drama, that every human being is playing a specific role on this cosmic stage.

Artistic Types of Drama

Drama can be divided into several artistic types based on its structure, presentation, and content:

• 1. One-Act Drama: The entire story is presented in a single scene.
• 2. Three-Act Drama: This drama consists of three parts or acts.
• 3. Multi-Act Drama: For longer stories, dramas with more than three acts are written.
• 4. TV and Radio Dramas: These are created specifically keeping the requirements of electronic media in mind.
• 5. Stage Drama: This is the oldest form of drama, presented directly before the audience.
• 6. Written or Book Drama: These are dramas written specifically for reading rather than for the stage.

Intellectual Types of Drama

Based on intellectual content and effect, drama is divided into two main types:

• • Tragedy: Considered the best form of drama, closest to human nature. It presents human sorrows, dramatic tragedy, and serious subjects.
• • Comedy: The story is progressed through laughter, humor, and satire.

Technique and Natural Parts of Drama

The story of a drama progresses in a specific order, which can be understood through a graph:

• 1. Exposition: The beginning of the story where characters and background are introduced.
• 2. Complication: When a twist or complexity arises in the story.
• 3. Climax: The point where no solution to the problems seems visible and tension reaches its limit.
• 4. Denouement: When the story moves toward resolution.
• 5. Conclusion: The end of the drama.

Components: Story and Plot Arrangement

The maturity of the plot is most important for the success of a drama:

“A good plot and good story are those in which a coherent depiction of the idea is presented from the beginning to the end of the story.”

— Aristotle

Meaning that continuity and balance in the story are essential so that the spectator’s attention does not wander.

Elements of Drama (Structural Components)

The following elements are of fundamental importance for completing the artistic structure of a drama:

• • Character and Scene Setting: Along with the hero and main characters, a specific environment (such as home, office, etc.) is created for each character in the drama.
• • Dialogue Writing: It is very important for each character’s tone to have variation so that their personality can be clearly understood. The best dialogue is one that is meaningful in terms of diction.
• • Suspense: For the success of a drama, it is essential that the spectator’s mind holds the question, “What will happen next?”
• • Music: This is an essential part of drama that gives life to dialogues and creates a special impression.
• • Conflict: Conflict is necessary to create interest in the story, such as the clash between truth and falsehood or good and evil, which leads the story to its climax.

Early Evolution of Punjabi Drama

Some important milestones in the history of Punjabi drama are as follows:

• • 1849 AD: The British began presenting sacred stories in dramatic form for the propagation of the Bible.
• • Charan Singh: He translated the famous Sanskrit drama “Shakuntala” into Punjabi.
• • First Formal Attempt: Bhai Vir Singh wrote the drama “Raja Lakha Data” in 1910, solidifying the foundation of Punjabi dramatic writing.

Folk Genre: Dhola

According to notes, ‘Dhola’ is an ancient and popular folk genre of Punjab:

• • Source: It is derived from the romantic tale of Maru and Dhola.
• • Meaning: The word ‘Dhola’ originates from ‘Dhol’, which is an ancient symbol of the beloved in Punjab.
• • Theme: This genre is specifically the expression of women’s feelings of love and affection for their beloved.
• • Region: It is particularly popular in ‘Sandal Bar’ (the region between Ravi and Chenab rivers).
• • Methods of Singing: According to A.D. Ejaz, there are three ways to sing Dhola: Rawani (simple and broadcast style), Ragi (with high pitch and long voice), and singing with a voice higher than the verse.

Overall Impression (Conclusion): Punjabi drama and folk genres have traveled from their initial forms and have now developed significantly, becoming an important part of our culture.