A.

Definition of Drama
Based on the Etymologically the term “drama” is derived from the word
“dramoi” (Greek) which mean imitating. In Terminologically, the sense of drama is a
literary work written in dialogue form and with the intent demonstrated by actors. In
general, the drama has two meanings, that drama in a broad sense as well as drama in
the strict sense. Definition of drama in the broad sense are all forms of spectacle or
show containing stories or performed in public. While understanding the drama in the
strict sense is a story of human life in a society that is projected over stage.
Drama history has become a spectacle since time immemorial. Our ancestors
have been playing a drama since thousands of years ago. There is a written evidence
that can be accounted reveal that drama already in the fifth century BC. It is based on
the findings of the ancient Greek playwright. The author is Aeschylus who lied
between 525 – 456 BC. The contents of the story in the form of offerings to the Gods.
In Indonesia, the history of the birth of this drama is not much different with the birth
of drama in Greece. Drama in Indonesia was also preceded by a religious ceremony
held in the ancient times by religious leaders.

B. Elements of Drama
1. Theme
The theme of a play refers to its central idea. It can either be clearly stated
through dialog or action, or can be inferred after watching the entire performance.
The theme is the philosophy that forms the base of the story or a moral lesson that the
characters learn. It is the message that the play gives to the audience. For example,
the theme of a play could be of how greed leads to one's destroyal, or how the wrong
use of authority ultimately results in the end of power. The theme of a play could be
blind love or the strength of selfless love and sacrifise, or true friendship. For
example, the play Romeo and Juliet, is based on a brutal and overpowering romantic
love between Romeo and Juliet that forces them to go to extremes, finally leading
them to self-destruction.
2. Setting
Birkerts (1996: 56) argues that setting refers both to the physical location of
the events and to the time in which they happen. Just as where and when are the two
vital coordinates of our own lives, so they hold a central place in the lives and worlds
projected in fiction. How the author makes use of the setting depends on the desired
effect. Setting has everything to do with context. Thus, readeers need to situate the
events and to place them within the context.
Setting is related to the time and place in which the drama’s story is set.
Consequently, setting has many functions both in textual and staging aspects. In
terms of textual aspect, Birkerts (1996; 56-58) states that there are at least three (3)
functions of setting. First, it can give the reader the impression of verisimilitude (that
this really happened). Second, it situates us in space and time so that we can
understand the events of the story as shaped by specific factors. Third, it can enhance
theme, either through suggestion or through more direct symbolism. A set of
important distinctions must be made between the literal, suggestive, and symbolic
uses of setting.