Dramatic Forms and Convemtions in Australian Theatre

“Drama and Theatre in their content and style reflect the society from which they spring”
To what extent is this true for Australian plays and productions?


Segregation of minority groups in society is a common occurrence in Australia. Segerga

tion can lead to isolation, loss of hope, detachment, a struggle for survival and the re

liance on family for support. Segregation is a major theme in both Gary’s House and

The 7 Stages of Grieving. Through the use of Dramatic Forms and Conventions such

as set, characterisation, tension, and the language used, we grasp an understanding

of the underlying meaning of the play and its social context.


Gary’s House focuses directly on the survival of one’s environment, whether it

be physical, emotional or one’s upbringing. Gary’s House is about people who don't fit

in but are desperately trying to do so. Australia is a country where the standard of living

is relatively...