CRWR_WEEK12_Intertextuality in Drama.pptx

CRWR_WEEK12_Intertextuality in Drama.pptx

1. Intertextuality in Drama

2. What is Intertextuality? Intertextuality in drama refers to the way in which a play or theatrical performance draws on and references other texts, such as literature, myths, historical events, or even other dramatic works. It's a literary and artistic device where the meaning of a dramatic work is enriched or influenced by connections to other texts. Intertextuality in drama can manifest in several ways:

3. Literary References Dramatists often incorporate elements from other literary works, such as novels, poems, or plays, into their own creations. This can involve direct quotations, allusions, or adaptations of characters and plotlines from well-known literature.

4. Literary References Direct Quotations: In drama, direct quotations from well-known literary works can serve as an homage to the original text or highlight a character's personality or knowledge. Adaptations: Playwrights may adapt characters and plotlines from literature, recontextualizing them to explore new themes.

5. Mythological and Historical References Many plays draw on mythology, folklore, or historical events to provide a deeper layer of meaning. These references can add cultural and symbolic significance to the drama.

6. Mythological and Historical References Symbolism: References to mythology, such as using the story of Oedipus, can add symbolic depth to a drama. Historical Events: Referencing historical events like World War II or the Civil Rights Movement can provide a historical backdrop and help audiences connect the play to real-world contexts and struggles.

7. Famous Mythological Allusions Achilles’ Heel Cupid Midas Touch Pandora’s Box Odyssey

8. Parody and Satire Dramas may use intertextuality to satirize or parody other works or societal norms. By referencing and playfully mocking other texts, playwrights can create humor or make social commentary.

9. Parody and Satire Social Commentary: Through intertextual parody and satire, dramatists can comment on societal norms, politics, or popular culture. This can be a powerful way to engage the audience in discussions about contemporary issues and challenge conventional thinking.

10. Reinterpretation Some plays reinterpret classic stories or characters, offering a fresh perspective or updating them to reflect contemporary issues. This can breathe new life into well-known narratives.

11. Reinterpretation Contemporary Relevance: Reinterpreting classic stories or characters allows playwrights to explore how those narratives resonate with contemporary audiences.

12. Meta-Theatricality In some cases, drama explores the very nature of theatrical performance and storytelling. Characters may comment on the act of performing or break the fourth wall, creating intertextual connections with the audience and their expectations.

13. Meta-Theatricality Engaging the Audience: By breaking the fourth wall or having characters comment on the nature of their performance, a drama can prompt the audience to reflect on the act of theater itself and the role of the audience in shaping the story.

14. How do things like using other stories, repeating ideas, and special symbols make a play more interesting, and what does that affect how we understand the story? What do people in the audience do while watching a play, and how does their involvement affect how good the play is? What happens when the actors talk to the audience or do things that remind us we're watching a play, and what is the point of those things?