Drama:
A composition in prose or verse presented in dialogue or pantomine.
A story involving conflict or contrast of character, esp. one intented to be acted on the stage.
(Dictionary.com Unabridged)
Drama Through the Years
National Theatre opened a new complex on the South Bank London
1963-1964
Kitchen Sink Drama
1950s		 The Theatre of the Absurd
1960-present
Shakespeare and Elizabethan Theatre
1564-1616
Bertolt Brecht and the Epic Theatre (comedy)
1898-1956
Greek Drama
4th Century B.C.
1375
No or NOH Theatre developed in Japan
16th-17th C.
Italian Commedia dell'arte theatre styles established		 1650-1700
Restoration Theatre (comedy)		 19th Century
Melodrama emerges
1961
Royal Shakespeare Company forms		 1970s-Present
Steven Berkoff and the Modern Stage
Close Reading

The language of Shakespeare is commonly misinterpreted. Many times the reader does not obtain the full meaning of his dramas on account of the inability to understand his words. In Macbeth he consistently boggles the reader's mind causing them to decipher his text in order to follow the plot and appreciate the overall work. For instance, there is a passage in Act II, Scene II (pg. 59) where Lady Macbeth is tending to her husband after he has just killed King Duncan. Macbeth returned to his wife to inform her that the deed had in fact been taken care of but he has gone tender in which he endures a slight breakdown and minor setback of the mind. His wife, on the other hand, is resolute and determined not to fall short of their dream nor let her husband fail.
"My hands are of your color, but I shame
To wear a heart so white.
I hear a knocking
At the south entry. Retire we to our chamber.
A little wter clears us of this deed.
How easy is it, then! Your constancy
Hath left you unattended.
Hark, more knocking.
Get on your nightgown, lest occasion call us
And show us to be watchers. Be not lost
So poorly in your thoughts."
After hiding the daggers, Lady Macbeth returns to comfort her husband. In response to his paranoia she tells him that literally the color of their hands are one in the same and there is no difference between him and her besides the fact she refuses to seem weak and vulnerable at heart (lines 1-2). Metaphorically one could interpret this as her letting him know that they are in this together and she will not give up. In the next comment (lines 3-4) she bluntly makes notice of a knocking coming from the southern location of their home and suggests they go back to their bedroom. Then she claims that "A little water clears us of this deed" and "How easy is it, then!" as to say in a form of figurative language that simply after Macbeth washes the blood from his hands all will be well despite what has obviously occurred. Then she reminds him that his usual firmness of the mind and reliability has deserted him, "Your constancy...unattended." Again they hear more knocking and she tells him to get dressed in his sleepwear so they can get in the bed and not be caught awake unless necessary circumstances require so (lines 8-10). "Be not so poorly in your thoughts" are her last words. To end her speech here, she merely says do not get disheartened or discouraged while thinking about the deed, for by now its done and over with; Macbeth comments back and they exit together.

Deciphering such a passage enlightens the reader on a lot that Shakespeare conveys through Lady Macbeth. First it showers some perspective on the relationship of the husband and wife, "My hands are of your color." Most of the drama they seem to have a hard and rough, loveless marriage but this excerpt shows different; she comforts her husband during his time of need. This identifies the intensity and depth of their connection, establishing it as real and beyond just an agreement type matrimony. This is also important for the reader to make note of so they can understand why Lady is assisting him and be assured of her loyalty, "A little water clears us of this deed. How easy is it, then!" It goes beyond her own personal greed, for she wants the best for her husband and is willing to do anything for him while by his side. Next it develops Lady's character illustrating her as a strong-willed and determined woman, "I shame to wear a heart so white." At this very moment she is the only thing to hold Macbeth together, keeping him from breaking and giving up, "Be not lost so poorly in your thoughts." Overall her unyielding attitude helps drive the plot of the drama and this is seen even in this small selection. Last, not only does this passage tell us about Lady, it also gives us insight into Macbeth. Here we see Macbeth vulnerable and slightly exposed, "Your constancy hath left you unattended." Her words make clear to the reader his state of mind, or lack there of rather, The overall insight of Macbeth from the passage is undoubtedly key to figuring out Macbeth and how he feels about the deed he has performed and those to come as well as comprehending his reactions to unexpected occurrences that befall him. The uncertainty on his part gives the reader a sense of questioning as far as Macbeth's motives in addition to adding sought suspense.
Want to learn more about drama?
Follow these links!
http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/drama
Here you can find the definition of drama, as well as the histories of various drama subgroups, such as Greek, Medieval, Opera, Elizabethan & Jacobean, Chinese, Japanese, and Indian literature.  You can also find the definition of various dramatic terms.  
http://www.bedfordstmartins.com/LITLINKS/drama/index.htm
This site is an index of dramatic authors, related texts, critical theories and essays.  Each author has a page of links that can take you to their biographies, homepages, pictures, galleries & more!
http://www.IMDB.com/chart/drama
The Internet Movie Database provides information on modern film dramas, and gives the top 50 dramas including, "The Godfather" and "Shawshank Redemption."
Works Cited
"Acting; Stanislavsky's Contribution." Encyclopedia Britannica. Encyclopedia Britannica Online. 21 May 2007.

Cabell, James, B. "Restoration Theatre." Theatre History. 2002. Henry Hlt and Company. 18 May 2007.

"Drama." Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Random House, Inc. <Dictionary.com http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/drama>

Hooker, Richard. "Greek Drama." World Civilizations. 6 June 1999
<http://wsu.edu/~dee/GREECE/DRAMA.HTM>.

Kerry, comp. "Theatre Timeline." MSN Groups. 2004. 16 May 2007
<http://groups.msn.com/Performingzone/theatretimeline.msnw>.

Morka, Anna. 2000. Quad C Theatre. Macbeth. 17 May 2007.

"Russian Realism." Early 20th Century Russian Theatre. Northwestern University. 21 May 2007. <http://faculty-web.at.northwestern.edu/slavic/theater>.

The English Language. University of Tronto. 17 May 2007.

Trumbell, Eric W. "Melodrama" Oct 2002. Northern Virginia Community College. 18 May 2007.
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