The Basics of Melodrama #melodrama #theatre #dramaeducation

This video introduces the background and characteristics of Melodrama.

In theatre a melodrama is a performance with exaggerated, sensational events and characters. It is highly emotional, focusing on exciting but over-the-top situations that are designed to encourage emotional responses in the audience. Strong characterisation is not a feature of melodrama instead characters are assigned stereotypical or simple roles, often in “good versus evil” situations. The genre brought about the widely used term melodramatic, used to describe something overly dramatic or emotional. For example, if your friend was crying hysterically about breaking her new mobile phone, you would probably tell her she was “being melodramatic.”