A Brief Comparison of Drama Genres

A Brief Comparison of Drama Genres

Tales of Fool is a comedy and farce that employ mixed features from the western tradition: elements of comedy and exaggerated means of entertaining of farce. Furthermore, the show stars the clown that appears in both oriental and western conventions.

Western dramas are prevailingly classified by genres and Chinese Opera, by themes. Traditionally, the former can be sub-categorised into three: comedy, tragicomedy and tragedy, all of which originate from the Greek theatre with over 2500 years of history. Surviving multiple centuries of theatre adoptions and creations, their styles and forms can still be recognised in various art productions in contemporary times, including movies and TV shows. Such impacts are evidently long lasting.

Tragedy Example: Hamlet by Shakespeare

Comedy Example: A Midsummer Night's Dream by Shakespeare

Tragicomedy Example: Romeo and Julia by Shakespeare In its early generation, every Greek tragedy begins with Gods who encounter the intervention of fate or enemies, triggering upheaval in their life situation. Down on his luck, however, the protagonist will never give up. The play always ends with his failure or death. Early comedies probably emerged 50 years after the birth of tragedy. Their stories revolve around ordinary folks with countless flaws. Facing tribulations and trials, their experiences offer a wealth of laugher. Refined comedies are able to criticise ongoing social situations through ridicules or other devices. On the other hand, works that appeal to commoners tend to consist of such famous plots as touching someone by mistakes or misunderstanding. Tragicomedy has a story structure that resembles a tragedy. The dissimilarity resides in the ending: the protagonist of a tragicomedy, under an optimistic pretext, will overcome his/her predicament.

Minor Roles Besides Kings and Emperors Customarily, it is those with power who decide the perspective and content of historical accounts. The majority of writings handed down to present day, however, only document the partial truth. From an alternative angle, Tales of Fool composes, perceives and responses concerning the very same episode, shifting the focus from the Emperor to minor characters in his surroundings. Théâtre de la Feuille cherish the belief that, despite their insignificance, minor characters should have their own stories as well; they should not merely function as a narrative tool. Villains have their background and good guys, their dark sides. Through divergent viewpoints, audience may ponder on the characters and the context of the play. They could also picture themselves in diverse scenarios, analysing the motive and subtext behind each one.