Crimes of the Heart
1. Identify in the Production the Elements of the Modified Dramatic Structure Pyramid.
The dramatic structure pyramid is a creation of a German novelist called Gustav Freytag. He lived in the Nineteenth century. He analyzed the patterns he saw in the plots of stories and drama. He presented the analysis in a diagram that resembles a pyramid. The pattern follows a definite trend that includes the exposition and inciting incident. The other steps are the rising action, climax and Falling Action. The Resolution marks the final stage in this analysis. The following is a description of the elements of production in the modified dramatic structure.
Exposition
The exposition involves arranging the scene and setting up all the necessary elements of the story. The writer describes the back ground and introduces the characters in the story. The writer familiarizes the audience with the setting of the story to ensure that they understand the environment. The history of main characters is revealed. Moreover, important details about their past are revealed. This is done to give the audience an idea of the behaviors of the characters. Everything is explained at the beginning of the story. Information about events related to the story is also shared in the exposition. In the elements of stories, it is the first part of the plot.
Inciting Incident
This is an event that signals the beginning of an action in the main story. It is also referred to as the complication. The writer introduces an event that causes a complication in the main story. The complication causes confusion to the main characters. Questions such as what do the characters want to achieve and what prevents them from achieving their goals are asked at this point. The inciting incident complicates the lives of the characters in the story. The complication can be created by one of the characters in the story. It usually results into a conflict between characters.
Rising Action
The story gets exciting by a gradual build up. A series of events assembles to the main point of the story. These events culminate to the highest point of interest for the audience. This build up carries the audience to the climax. It is full of suspense as the audience is eager to know what will happen next. The audience has the urge to know the course of action the affected characters would take. It is an exciting part of the story.
Climax
This is the moment where there is the greatest expectation in the story. Tension is rather high at this moment as there is uncertainty of the next events. Furthermore, it is the most entertaining part of the story. There is high excitement when this event happens. The rising action builds up and stops at this point.
Falling Action
This is the result of the climax and everything cools down. At this point, the story is about to end the characters winning or losing in their respective conflicts. The outcome of the end of the story is revealed at this point. There is suspense towards the end of the story as there is an amount of doubt before the conflict is resolved.
Resolution
At this point, the main conflict is solved. The audience gets to know who between the antagonist and protagonist carries the day. An audience or reader’s questions are answered before the story ends. Sometimes, the resolution does not lead to a happy ending.
Denouement
The author of the story wraps up it. Some authors explain different mysteries and the possibilities of the characters. The readers are left to think about the theme and sometimes relate it to real life situations. The author gives a final explanation of the events that occurred in the story. The author also tells the feelings of the characters about the events in the story. This final part of the story is usually tied to the resolution, which makes it difficult to identify. Sometimes readers are satisfied with the ending of the story. Sometimes they are unsatisfied with the information they have.
2. Theatrical Conventions
Theatrical conventions set the rules that are applied in plays. These conventions include technical, rehearsal, and theatrical conventions. Some of the theatrical conventions include presentational devices, which is an attempt to be theatrical. It employs the use of the chorus or a narrator. There is a script that describes the different roles an actor should play. Actors change costumes in the presence of the audience. There is a sense of magic in the theatre. Proper direction is needed to ensure that the conventions work well with the audience.
Representational Convention
This is an attempt to feel realistic. It employs the use of the fourth wall, and logical time sequence. Actors play a single role throughout the play. The notion of theatre magic is hidden.
Conventions used by Playwrights
They use elements such as narration, song and music, personification and passage of time against plot time.
Conventions used by Directors
Directors use suggestive scenery or costuming, pantomime, stylized movement and deliberate tempo scenes. The scenes are also split into conversations.
Conventions used by Designers
In this convention, sets are well cut to reveal the interior of the stage setting. Sound and lighting are set up in a way that easily represents reality. An illusion is created in the setting, and the costumes are symbolic.
Conventions used by Actors
There is a sense of memory; the use of the fourth wall is employed. There is a direct address to the audience and endowment.
3. Theatrical Criticism
Theatrical criticism is an art form that has different methods of analyzing the theatre events. In order to criticize theatre events, one is required a personal account of what is needed to make the criticism. These methods are based on the conventions used in developing the events. The play analysis method is commonly used in making criticism to theatre events. In answering what the goal of the event was, there should be an effort in analyzing the objectives of it. Some event goals range from capturing the attention of an audience.
This is achieved at the exposition stage where the author introduces the audience to the play. The main components of the event include the elements that used to compose the whole play. These components are essential in developing a story and making it interesting. The components were effective when used individually. Each component brings a unique feeling to the plot of the play. The audience is carried from one component to the next with a building expectation. When all these components are brought together, a sense of harmony and continuity is created. This experience is valuable as each component of the event has a role to play in the whole event.
