Choosing a structure
Think about the storyline or narrative of your piece. Do you have one storyline or do you have more than one? If you have one clear narrative it鈥檚 likely that it鈥檒l have a beginning, a middle and an end. The end of a story that runs in this order is called the denouement.
The denouement is when the story reaches its outcome and is resolved for the audience. In a comedy the denouement will be the resolution of a problem, whereas in a tragedy the denouement is called a 鈥榗atastrophe鈥, with an unhappy outcome for the main characters.
Running scenes in a The logical order of events in time, from beginning to middle to end. order means that you have a linear structure. Your story runs in a line from beginning to end. This is a good structure for work which is A form of theatre designed to create the illusion of reality for an audience. Originated in the late 19th century., building towards a natural climax with a satisfying denouement for the audience.
Non-linear drama
This is where the narrative doesn鈥檛 run in a straight line but moves about in time. It鈥檚 non-chronological. The play, Betrayal by Harold Pinter is an excellent example of this. The acclaimed drama about a love affair and the intricate nature of deceit is told in reverse time from its poignant ending to its thrilling first kiss.
Consider using a non-linear structure if:
- there鈥檚 more than one narrative (storyline) in your piece
- you鈥檙e creating Theatre in education work
- you鈥檙e creating work in the style of Brecht or any other non-naturalistic theatre practitioner
- you want to create dramatic irony (where the audience know the outcome but the characters do not)
- you want to keep the audience guessing or thinking about a message throughout
- you are using a range of styles in your work