Performing Arts

A close analysis of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet prologue, line by line. Explains rhyme scheme and Iambic pentameter in the prologue. Tutorial and video links.

Susan Glaspell’s Trifles brings attention to the political and social differences between men and women in the early 1900s. Trifles may seem like a simple story, but it is rich with symbolism and nuances of gender differences giving a glimpse of the insignificance of women in a man’s world.

A brief look at the theme of madness in Shakespeare's play, "Hamlet". This article addresses whether or not Hamlet and Ophelia were truly mad or not and takes a brief look at the driving force behind their displays of madness.

In this essay, I analyze William Shakespeare's play, Hamlet, and analyze how religious connotations hinder Hamlet's action and ability to avenge his father's death.

Madame Butterfly is one of the most popular operas of all time. But the ending has a twist—the final chord is unusual. So why did Puccini choose to end his own favourite opera this way?

This article explores how to teach drama using several different, easy concepts. Gain confidence in your lessons when you use any one or a combination of these tools. A clear guide for how to use drama lesson plans, drama games, improvisation games, and monologues.

Learn methods for drawing a crowd to your free comedy show, even if it’s your first time putting on one.

The balcony scene serves to develop the characters of Romeo and Juliet so that the audience can begin to sympathize with them. The balcony scene is critically important to the development of the plot of the play because it is during this scene that the lovers' secret marriage is decided.

In the classic Marlowe play, Dr. Faustus makes a bargain with Mephistopheles: for twenty-four years of unlimited power he trades his soul. Unfortunately, Faustus learns too late that he got the raw end of the deal, but he turns his back on any chance of redemption.

There has been a long-standing debate over the true definition of tragedy in dramatic literature. Read this discussion of Aristotle's definition weighed against three tragedies written in different centuries.

This is an analytical essay that examines the racial issues in Shakespeare's play, "Othello." The play ponders whether race is a social fabrication or an innate ugliness of human nature.

An accessible explanation of the incongruity theory of comedy.

Death of a Salesman's Willy Loman, was really a low man. He led a very sad life, accoplished little, but had big dreams. Here is an analysis of the man behind the story.

Fear is a powerful motivator that can inspire hysteria, paranoia, and intolerance as seen in The Crucible.