Observation in drama is the fundamental act of closely watching and studying the world around you – people, places, and things – with the specific intent of gathering material and inspiration for theatrical work. It involves the specific looking at people, places and things. Essentially, you're looking at the world like a writer.
The Role of Observation for a Drama Creator
For anyone involved in drama, whether a writer, actor, or director, keen observation is crucial. It's the raw material from which characters are built, settings are envisioned, and plots are sparked.
- Character Development: Observing how people talk, move, interact, and express emotions provides authentic details for creating believable characters.
- Setting the Scene: Looking closely at environments – a bustling market, a quiet park, a cluttered room – helps artists create rich and evocative settings for plays.
- Generating Ideas: As the reference states, when you look at the world like a writer, everything becomes a play idea. A brief interaction, a curious object, or a striking image can all serve as starting points for a dramatic piece.
Observing Like a Writer
Looking at the world "like a writer" means going beyond a superficial glance. It involves asking questions:
- Why is that person acting that way?
- What is the history of this place?
- How does this object feel or function?
- What conflict might arise from this situation?
It's about seeing the potential story in everyday life, noticing the nuances that others might miss.
Practical Application: The Drama Journal
A common and effective way for students and practitioners to hone their observation skills is by maintaining a drama journal. As the reference suggests, have students collect their observations in their drama journals.
Here’s how a drama journal can be used:
- Daily Notes: Jotting down brief observations throughout the day.
- Detailed Sketches: Writing longer descriptions of specific people or places.
- Dialogue Snippets: Recording interesting conversations overheard (respectfully, of course).
- Sensory Details: Noting sights, sounds, smells, textures, and tastes.
Examples of Journal Entries
| Observation Type | Example Entry | Potential Drama Application |
|---|---|---|
| Person | Old woman with bright red hat, always reads same book | Character detail for eccentric lead or background |
| Place | Bench in the park, worn wood, graffiti carved in it | Specific set piece, history hints |
| Interaction | Two friends arguing over a small, wrapped package | Scene idea, conflict point, prop focus |
| Sound | Distant train whistle at sunset | Mood setting, transition sound effect |
Collecting these observations builds a personal library of detail and inspiration that can be drawn upon later for writing or improvisation exercises.
Why Observation Matters
Without observation, dramatic work risks being generic or clichéd. Observation provides the specific, unique details that make characters and stories feel real and compelling. It connects the art form directly to the human experience and the world we inhabit. It turns passive looking into active, purposeful seeing.
Observation is a fundamental skill that transforms the everyday into potential dramatic material, fueling creativity and authenticity in theatre.
