Drama and Theatre

    I personally really enjoyed Drama by Raina Telgemier. I felt like it was a poignant narrative about growing up, finding your own identity, and understanding relationships. Especially because there are so many different identities, and relationships represented here within the graphic novel. Yet I feel obliged to talk about the role of theatre within the novel and its importance to the theme of identity.

    Theatre as a narrative device is integral to the role of Drama. Not only is it something that is important to Callie's identity, but it also gives our characters a chance to try identities. A coming of age story can occur within any sort of club or extracurricular activity. A baseball team, a debate team, a math club, etc. What makes theatre unique (speaking to the theme of identity) is the idea of acting. Theatre gives people the chance to take on different roles, different identities, and become someone else. Usually, actors are cast in roles that best suit them, but each role should still challenge the idea of identity. Additionally, Theatre is a collaborative art. Everyone has a role that should best suit them. Callie, as set designer, has an outlet to show her creativity and her technical prowess. Liz and her costumes are a perfect fit for her as well. When Justin gets a supporting actor role, he is disappointed. However; his friends congratulate him saying he was made for the comedic relief. Jesse additionally, has difficulty fitting into his role as a member of the stage crew. The characters that are struggling with themselves and their identities find it hard to fit into the spots that they were assigned. Most notably, in Jesse, Justin, and Matt. 

    Jesse, Justin, and Matt, all have conflicts within themselves that make it difficult for them to really thrive in their roles amongst the stage crew. Jesse is determining his sexuality and his relationship with Callie. We see that he misses his mark for setting up the stage. This seems like a throwaway panel, but I argue it isn't. Jesse missing his mark shows that this wasn't the right fit for him. It shows how he is focused on another role. Callie makes mistakes, but we see her persevere and immediately find new solutions. Jesse lacks the confidence in himself, in his role, to succeed. Moreover, Jesse was convinced by Callie to join Stage Crew despite wanting something different. When Jesse goes out for Bonnie, he is confident and he absolutely nails the part. He discovers himself, he finds an identity that gives him the confidence to be himself. He finds his role.

    Additionally, Justin and Matt have similar conflicts. Justin wants the lead role, yet he was given a supporting role. Initially, he is disappointed and angry. Frustrated with this idea that he was not good enough. His clash in confidence and ability creates a brief moment of conflict. Justin takes the moment to grow into the role and accept his identity. Moreover, as he confides in Callie, we see him become more and more comfortable talking about his sexuality. As Justin grows as his persona as a gay man, he also becomes more comfortable with his role in the show. Additionally, Matt has a conflict within his own identity. He is lighting the show, but he has a talent for drawing and designing posters for the musical. This conflict doesn't manifest within the story very often (as Callie and Matt have a strained relationship) but Matt's conflict of identity is centered on his feelings for Callie and his love for his brother. He is being pulled between two persons who he cares for immensely, just as he is being pulled between two roles as a brother and as a best friend. 

    The theatre has roles and finding your role that best fits directly relates to the theme of finding your identity. Especially at a time where identity and expression are integral to understanding who you are and who you want to grow up to be.