Introduction to Play Writing (Telugu)

Course Aim

This course aims to introduce beginners to the fundamental principles and practices of playwriting, helping both aspiring playwrights and creative writers to gain a deeper understanding of dramatic storytelling, structure, and character development. Through handson writing exercises, you will explore the essential techniques used to craft compelling dialogue, create dynamic characters, and develop engaging plots for the stage. You will learn the vocabulary and tools necessary for scene construction, conflict creation, and effective use of theatrical space. By delving into the core aspects of playwriting, you will establish a solid foundation for both personal expression and professional growth as a dramatist. 

Course Objectives

  • To learn the key components of dramatic structure, including exposition, conflict, climax, and resolution, and apply them to create well-structured plays.
  • To gain skills in creating multidimensional characters with clear motivations, backstories, and arcs that drives the plot forward.
  • To learn to write authentic, dynamic dialogue that reflects character, advances the plot, and enhances the themes of the play.
  • To understand how to use staging, setting, and visual elements to enhance storytelling in a theatrical context.
  • To develop the ability to analyse and critique both professional plays and peer work to better understand playwriting techniques and improve your own writing.
  • To write and revise an original one-act play
  • To learn the basics of formatting a play script and gain insight into the processes of submitting script for theatrical production.
  • To foster creativity and self-expression through the exploration of personal themes and storytelling styles in the context of playwriting.

Learning Outcomes

 
By the end of the course, students will be able to
  • Demonstrate a strong understanding of dramatic structure, applying it effectively in the creation of original plays.
  • Develop multidimensional characters with clear motivations and emotional depth, driving the action of their scripts.
  • Write compelling and realistic dialogue that reflects character and advances the plot in an engaging and dramatic way. 
  • Incorporate staging and theatrical elements into their writing, considering how space, movement, and setting impact storytelling on stage. 
  • Analyse and critique play scripts using industry-standard terminology, improving both their own and others’ work through constructive feedback. 
  • Complete a polished one-act play, demonstrating the ability to revise based on feedback and apply playwriting techniques. 
  • Format and submit play scripts according to industry standards, preparing them for potential production or further development. 
  • Apply playwriting skills in various contexts, showcasing creativity and adaptability in crafting original stories for performance. 

Duration: 15 Weeks – 90 Mins/Week 

Course Fees: $450

Certificate: Students will receive certificate of completion. Students enrolled in “For CREDIT’ will also receive TRANSCRIPT.

Classes: Every Friday, starting from January 31st, 2025 6PM (PST) 

Course Outline

Week 1: Introduction to Playwriting • Overview of playwriting as a form of creative expression. Understanding how a play differs from other literary genres like poetry, short stories, and novels.

Week 2: Structure of a Play • Study of play structure as defined by Bharata’s Natyashastra and Aristotle’s Poetics.

Week 3: Types of Theatres • Overview of various types of theatres and their historical and cultural significance.

Week 4: Understanding Plot • What is a plot? • Exploration of common plot types and their divisions. 

Week 5: Dasharupakas • Characteristics and classification of the ten types of Indian classical plays (Dasharupakaalu).

Week 6: Character, Dialogue, and Action • In-depth exploration of character development, dialogue, and action within a play. • Classification and their roles in storytelling.

Week 7: Theory of Rasa and Its Evolution • Examination of the Rasa theory and its evolution over time. 

Week 8: Rasa vs. Catharsis • Comparison of Rasa and Catharsis, key elements in Indian and Western dramatic theory.

Week 9: Climax and Pre-climax • Understanding the structure of climax and pre-climax in playwriting. 

Week 10: Modern and Postmodern Plays • Themes and relevance of modern and postmodern plays in contemporary theatre.

Week 11: Movements in Modern Theatre • Study of key movements that shaped modern theatre.

Week 12: Renowned Modern Playwrights • Discussion of influential modern playwrights and their signature themes.

Week 13: Hands-on Experience • Students will attempt to script a play, applying the concepts learned. 

Week 14: Evaluation of Student Work • Feedback and evaluation of students’ scripts.

Week 15: Revision and Interaction • Recap of key syllabus topics and open interaction for student queries and discussion.

Faculty

Dr. Deerghasi Vizai Bhaskar 

Dr. D. Vizai Bhaskar hails from Ampolu village, Srikakulam District, Andhra Pradesh. He did his post graduation in M.A (English Language and Literature from Andhra university and later on has done Doctorate in Telugu University on Bertolt Brecht. He worked as lecturer in English for some time and got selected as Municipal Commissioner. He worked as Director of Department of Language Culture for AP State for four years and retired from service in 2020.


He is a popular Telugu playwright so far written 25 plays and 6 playlets. Many of his dramas have been translated in to different Indian languages and in English also. As a poet he has brought 5 volumes of poetry. His latest Navel ‘Veera kalyngam’ on the historical glory of Kalinga Andhra has been published recently. He has one anthology of short stories ‘ Municipal Kathalu’ to his credit.


• He got 9 times Nandi award for his dramas in the State level drama competitions.
• He was honoured by Telugu University with University Sahitya Puraskaram for his drama RUTWIK.
• He got the most coveted Central Sangeeta Naataka Akademy Award in 2010 for his outstanding contribution for Telugu theatre.

rabby wallet is a secure and user-friendly crypto wallet for DeFi, featuring multi-chain support, seamless dApp integration, and advanced security for safe transactions.