What Is Drama

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The question asked is 'what is drama?' Can we truly define it? Is there a 'textbook' definition of something that can be so personal? What is drama in relation to theatre? Why is drama so important? What are its uses, its aims? Some have said that drama develops self-esteem and encourages creativity and imagination. This is true, and will be demonstrated through examples from personal experiences.

Usually the first thing that occurs in a drama class is that someone will ask for a definition of the word drama. Most of the class will look away, as if in deep thought praying that they are not called on, because they do not know the answer. At first glance, it seems a simple question, but as one begins to delve into the true nature of drama, the answer is not so cut and dry.

For some, drama is a type of television show, such as a hospital or lawyer show. For others, it is that section of the movie rental place where all 'chick flicks' are. For still others, drama means Sophocles, Euripides, and Aeschylus. For teachers, drama means all and none of these things. A clear definition is needed in order to lead the students in various activities, and towards various goals. What good is it to have the students explore within themselves if the teacher does not know what the aim or direction of the exploration is? Many teachers claim that their purpose of drama is to develop the child's sense of self. This however is slightly vague. Most people in education strive for this in one way or another. Bettering the child in body mind and spirit is a general goal for teachers, so this idea is not particular to drama. So then, what exactly is drama?

There is one school of thought that defines it as "an expressive process which is best understood through the idea of symbolization and its role in the discovery and communication of meaning"(McGregor 24). This is an accurate definition, as it also goes on to explain that drama is ...