1. Focus on Realism and Socially Relevant Themes: Contemporary plays often strive for realism in their portrayal of characters and situations. They explore current social issues, political concerns, and personal struggles that resonate with audiences today. This can involve tackling topics like race, gender identity, climate change, mental health, or economic inequality.
2. Breaking Traditional Forms and Structures: Contemporary playwrights are not bound by the conventions of traditional theatre. They experiment with non-linear narratives, fragmented dialogue, multimedia elements (video, music, dance), and unconventional stage design. This allows for diverse perspectives and artistic expression, pushing the boundaries of storytelling and engaging audiences in new ways.
These are just two common traits, and contemporary theatre is a diverse and evolving landscape. There are many other characteristics that could be discussed, such as the use of humor, the exploration of personal identity, and the blurring of lines between fiction and reality.