DRAMA IN THE DRAMA

Drama IN the Drama is a funny story that often happens whenever I teach. When teaching Drama Performance, I divide the class into two large groups. Each group is tasked with presenting a play they will perform. However, the process is never as smooth as planned. This is where the Drama IN the Drama unfolds. Drama IN the Drama refers to the “drama” that arises due to the diverse personalities of each student. This drama also emerges from the pressure they experience during rehearsals and the production itself. In a drama performance, students are required to collaborate despite their differences. This is where the real challenge begins.

Drama in the Drama. An AI Illustration.

Small conflicts start to arise, issues with punctuality and attendance, overdue group funds, complicated and time-consuming prop preparations, constant financial deficits, and much more. These challenges inevitably push students to their limits. Those with stable emotions tend to stay composed, but those who are more temperamental can easily get triggered, leading to arguments and even fights. In extreme cases, well, not that extreme, hahaha, but it has happened before, students formed circles within the drama, gossiping about each other. There was even an incident where a physical altercation broke out. Fortunately, these issues were always resolved in the end.

Another recurring phenomenon every year is “on set romance“. This one, in particular, often turns into a sweet and funny story. Another challenging situation arises when a real-life couple is cast in the same play, but one of them has to be paired with another student. Since they’re not professional actors, this often leads to conflicts, especially internal conflicts. -_-

These kinds of things are all part of the drama I encounter every time I teach Drama Performance. Honestly, I enjoy this Drama IN the Drama, for me, it’s like an adrenaline rush and a sugar rush at the same time. Watching it all unfold before my eyes often takes me back to my student days (so nostalgic!). And honestly, I’d love to experience it all over again. When major conflicts arise, I usually step in to mediate, but not always. Why? Because I believe students won’t experience the same situation in the same way again. This is all part of their character development.

Finding solutions to the challenges they face during drama performance preparations is a real-life training ground. In reality, we don’t always get to work with people we like. We don’t always get what we want or become perfect in everyone’s eyes. Learning to manage emotions and feelings is a crucial part of personal growth that they must go through. That’s why I see Drama IN the Drama as tiny pebbles beneath a blooming sakura tree. It will all end beautifully, but patience, perseverance, and an open mind are key.