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The Daily Insight

Characteristics of traditional drama

Author

Henry Morales

Published Feb 23, 2026

What are the characteristics of traditional African drama?

Some elements of traditional African drama which have been adapted to literature and film include, songs and dances, mask and masquerades, proverbs, idioms and other aspects of language, history and myth, festivals and several others that we shall discuss here.

What are the different types of traditional drama?

There are four major types of drama: comedy, tragedy, tragicomedy, and melodrama. These types originated at different times, but each of them has its characteristics.

What is traditional drama in literature?

Drama is a mode of fictional representation through dialogue and performance. It is one of the literary genres, which is an imitation of some action. It contains conflict of characters, particularly the ones who perform in front of audience on the stage.

What is traditional African drama?

Traditional African drama and theatre are embedded in performances. These include, rituals, festivals, story-telling, masquerade poetry composed performances, music/dance, puppet shows and many other forms of performances. We also believe that for drama to exist, there must be an element of imitation of an action.

What is a traditional drama?

Traditional drama is primarily the drama of. the community: prepared by members of the com- munity according to well-established modes and.

What are the elements of drama?

There are six main elements of drama which serve as the basis of producing a successful play. These essential elements of drama include the plot of the story, the theme, the genre in which the story belongs, the characters, the setting, and the audience.

What are the unique features of drama?

A drama is attractive, impactful and real as it presents characters along with a natural and credible aspects. It is very similar to a short story as it also comprises characters, plot, setting as well as symbolism.

What are the five features of drama?

The five elements of drama are the thought, theme, and ideas; action and plot; characters; language; and music. The spectacle, consisting of the scenery, props, costumes and special effects of a production, is also an element of drama.

What are main features of drama?

Drama is created and shaped by the elements of drama which, for the Drama ATAR course, are listed as: role, character and relationships, situation, voice, movement, space and time, language and texts, symbol and metaphor, mood and atmosphere, audience and dramatic tension.

What is the important of drama?

Drama is an important tool for preparing students to live and work in a world that is increasingly TEAM-ORIENTATED rather than hierarchical. Drama also helps students develop TOLERANCE and EMPATHY. In order to play a role competently, an actor must be able to fully inhabit another’s soul.