Realism is the attempt to represent life exactly as it is, with all its flaws and imperfections. This includes using unvarnished language, characters from all walks of life, and settings that are accurate to the time and place.
Naturalism
Naturalism is an extension of realism that takes into account the influence of environment and heredity on human behavior. Naturalistic plays often focus on the lower classes and the working class, and they emphasize the harsh realities of life.
Symbolism
Symbolism is the use of symbols to represent ideas, concepts, or emotions. Symbols can be anything from objects to characters to actions. Symbolist plays often have multiple layers of meaning, and they can be interpreted in many different ways.
Expressionism
Expressionism is a subjective form of drama that emphasizes the inner lives of the characters. Expressionistic plays often use distorted language, characters, and settings to create a sense of emotional upheaval.
Surrealism
Surrealism is a form of drama that is based on the unconscious mind. Surrealistic plays often use dream imagery and non-linear storytelling to create a sense of the uncanny and the irrational.
The Theater of the Absurd
The Theater of the Absurd is a form of drama that rejects traditional notions of plot, character, and meaning. Absurdist plays often use humor and satire to explore the existential themes of life, death, and the meaninglessness of existence.
These are just a few of the many aspects of modern drama. Modern drama is a rich and diverse field that offers something for everyone.