Enactments of hunting expeditions by the early human community is the earliest known “DRAMA.” Evidence of strong dramatic Urge in the people found from Indus valley civilization to Vedic period. Bharatmuni’s Natyashastra tried to evolve some guidelines to the drama & in the stage construction. Kissing, Water (sports), Sleeping, Decoration of the body, Death, Violence are not to be performed on the stage. Drama is born out of representation of action .The Drama generally opened with a benediction song and followed by a prologue in the form of diagloue and at the end of the play with vote of thanks by the crew members.
Three types need to be in the construction of stage
- Stage with auditorium
- Backstage (entry for the actors to the front stage)
- A curtain divides the stage from backstage
Some Important Plays in Drama
Urubhangam – Depicts the death of Duryodhana, whose thigh is broken by the Bhima in the Mahabharata war.
Madhayamavyayoga – One-act plays, Bhima is involved in the conflict with his son ghatotkacha, unaware of Bhima’s identity.
Swapnavasavadatta – Political exigency forces create rumors of lover’s death and in the end they will unite together.
