Legal Definitions - dramatic work

A dramatic work is a creative piece designed to be performed. It typically tells a story through characters, dialogue, and actions, and is intended for presentation on a stage, screen, or other performance platform. In copyright law, this category protects the unique expression of a narrative that can be brought to life through performance.

• Example 1: A Stage Play Script

  Imagine a playwright who writes a script titled "The Midnight Garden," which includes detailed character dialogue, stage directions for movement and setting, and a complete plot arc designed for a theatrical production.

  This script is a dramatic work because it is specifically created to be performed by actors on a stage. The dialogue, character interactions, and narrative arc are all integral parts of a story intended for live theatrical presentation.

• Example 2: A Film Screenplay

  Consider a screenwriter who develops a screenplay for a new historical drama film. This screenplay outlines every scene, character line, visual cue, and plot development necessary for the movie's production.

  The screenplay qualifies as a dramatic work because it provides the complete blueprint for a film, intended to be performed by actors and brought to life visually and audibly on screen. Its structure and content are entirely geared towards cinematic performance.

• Example 3: The Libretto of an Opera

  Think about the "libretto" of an opera, which is the text containing all the dialogue and lyrics, separate from the musical score. This libretto tells the entire story, develops the characters, and outlines the sequence of events.

  Even without the accompanying music, the libretto constitutes a dramatic work. It provides the narrative, character development, and spoken/sung dialogue that are essential for a theatrical performance, making it a performable story.