How to Write a Drama Review Use the following questions to focus your attention while writing your drama review. Don’t just follow the script and detail the storyline. The point of this essay is to comment on a play, not to describe it. Be sure to get the playbill and correctly identify the play, author, characters, etc. You must do your best to comment on the following: Basic information: Which theater? Where? Date and time What show? Who wrote the script?
Script: Try to capture the following: What is the main conflict, issue raised by the play, or underlying theme? What are the main features of the play? Serious, ridiculous, or mocking? Explain clearly.
Director: Try to comment on the following items: Is there a standout production concept, subject metaphor, or method of director annotation? If so, what is it and how is it implemented in production? Are all production elements compatible and coordinated? Explain clearly. If not, where does it fall out of the circle, or does it not match other elements? Acting: Choose at least two actors (male or female) to comment on in depth. Please write the names of actors and characters correctly. Was the role cast correctly? Are some actors not suitable for playing the roles in the play? Why? Are some actors effective? If so, how and how did it produce the result? Are the actors’ voices audible and understandable? Does the actor require special skills (such as dancing, singing, fencing, playing an instrument)? If so, how are such needs met?
Staging: Try to comment on the following aspects: In what type of performance venue is the play performed? How is the dance beauty achieved? How do the scenes represent the plot? How did the choreography contribute (or not contribute) to the overall production? What would the play lose if the choreography was eliminated
Costume and Makeup: Try to comment on the following: Are there any special costume requirements? (historical, fantasy, etc.) If so, how did the production turn out? Are there any special makeup requirements? If so, how was it done?
How did the costumes and makeup contribute to the production overall? Lighting and Sound: Try to comment on the following: Are there any special lighting requirements? If so, how was it made? What contribution did lighting and sound make overall? Final Thoughts: What was your overall impression of the show? How did you feel about the overall experience of watching the show? What are your final comments?
Steps:
Step 1: Read the script before going to see the show, unless you are very familiar with the work. Having a solid feel for the script's language and style will make you more sensitive to the strengths of the production. (Translator's Note: You need to understand the basics of script writing)
Step 2: Watch the play and try to keep an open mind about the director's choice of techniques while evaluating the effectiveness of those techniques. Immediately after the performance, write down the details of your impressions and feelings that you would like to use in your review. (Translator's Note: Know and understand the director's techniques and techniques. Have basic knowledge of directors)
Step 3: Tell your readers the basic knowledge of the drama, such as the playwright, director, and main actors name, the name of the troupe, and where the play is performed. Such information is usually found in the first few paragraphs of a drama review, but some may also be placed in later paragraphs.
Step 4: Briefly describe the play, touching on the content, scope and theme of the play. You are not required, or expected, to do lengthy story insights.
Step 5: Provide readers with your critical opinions on the play, using specific examples to support your views. Is the play entertaining or thought-provoking? Describe the main strengths and weaknesses of the play.
Step 6: Evaluate the director of the play, including (if possible) the main concept that unites the entire production, or a method of interpretation. Describe the methods chosen by the director and analyze the effectiveness of these methods.
Step 7: Evaluate the actor’s performance. Consider whether you find their performances believable, how they perform together, and whether their voices and body movements contribute to or detract from the overall effect.
Step 8: Evaluate the design elements of the play. Does the choreography establish the correct mood for the play? Do the costumes and lighting enhance the overall effect? Step 9: Summarize your analysis of the success or failure of the production.