One Stage, Many Scripts Chapter Notes | Arts (Kriti) Class 8 - New NCERT PDF Download

Introduction

Writing serves as a crucial tool for expressing and recording ideas. It helps clarify thoughts, build creativity, and share knowledge across generations. In different forms, writing connects all forms of communication, from essays to movies and TV shows. Scripts are essential for any performance.

Scripts for Stages

• Play Scripts: Scripts written for stage performances, film, or television. They vary in structure, style, and purpose depending on the type of performance.
• Importance: Understanding different types of play scripts helps in appreciating the diversity in theatrical storytelling.
• Genres in Scripts: Plays can be categorized into different genres based on their themes, mood, and structure.

Play Scripts in Ancient India

• Ancient Indian drama writers used the term "rupa" or "rupaka" for drama, combining poetry and dialogue.
• Nāṭyaśhāstra: An ancient Indian text that discusses various types of scripts. The first performance described in Nāṭyaśhāstra is based on the Amrita Manthana (churning of the ocean), a significant event involving the Devas and Asuras.

Types of Scripts

Ancient (Nāṭyaśhāstra) Classifications

• Nataka: 5–10 acts; based on kings/divine beings; themes of love, heroism, or pathos.
• Prakarana: Up to 10 acts; invented plots based on society.
• Bhana: One-act; invented plots about rogues and heroism.
• Prahasana: One-act; humorous, comical in nature.
• Dima: Four acts; based on popular stories, often involving Devas and Asuras.
• Vyayoga: One-act; heroic stories, non-comical.
• Samavakara: 3–4 acts; based on traditional stories of Devas and Asuras.
• Anka (Utsrishtanka): One-act; based on Karuna rasa (pathos).
• Ihamrga: Four acts; mixes popular and pauranik stories with fiction.
• Veethi: One-act; 2–3 characters; performed anywhere.

Modern Structures

• One-act plays: 10–30 minutes; focus on a single dramatic conflict.
• Two-act plays: Midpoint climax; stakes rise or protagonist’s goal changes.
• Three-act structure: Setup, confrontation, resolution (common in films/TV).
• Linear, cyclical, non-linear: Storytelling with flashbacks or non-chronological order.
• Adapted scripts: Based on novels, books, poetry, short stories, or historical events.

Genres

Genres help categorize works of art based on their content and style. The classification provides a framework for understanding and organizing the art.

Popular Genres

• Tragedy: Serious themes; flawed protagonist falls due to fate, mistakes, or society.
• Historical Drama: Based on historical events/figures.
• Comedy: Humorous dialogues, misunderstandings, exaggerations, happy endings.
• Musical: Combines songs, rhythmic dialogue, and dance.
• Melodrama: Exaggerated emotions; clear distinction between heroes and villains.
• Mystery: Puzzle/Crime-solving; solution revealed at the end.
• Experimental: Breaks traditional storytelling; abstract/surreal themes.
• Fantasy: Magical elements, imaginary worlds.
• Docudrama: Dramatized reenactments of real events.

Mixed Genres

• Works may combine genres, e.g., Tragicomedy (tragedy + comedy).

Importance of Genre

• Provides a framework to understand and interpret texts.
• Prevents misinterpretations.
• Helps organise works.
• Example: Libraries and bookstores classify by genre.
• Applies to all forms of art:
  • Music/Dance genres: Classical, Folk, Contemporary, Semi-classical.
  • Visual Arts categories: Portrait, Landscape, Still life.