"But what is drama? Broadly speaking, it is whatever by imitative action rouses interest or gives pleasure"

Drama, as articulated by George P. Baker, encompasses a broad range of human experience, distilled into actions that both mimic real life and captivate an audience. The essence of Baker’s definition lies in the dual criteria of imitation and emotional response. Drama is not limited to the constraints of a stage or a script; it is defined by the enacted portrayal, what he calls “imitative action”, which is a deliberate act of reproducing or reflecting the experiences, conflicts, and emotions found in everyday existence.

By emphasizing “imitative action,” Baker suggests that drama finds its core in the artistry of representation. Whether through dialog, gesture, or scenario, it mirrors the complexity of human life, allowing observers to see their realities and fantasies played out. This replication is not mere imitation for its own sake, but rather a means of engaging audiences, prompting them to invest emotionally or intellectually in the unfolding narrative. In this sense, drama becomes a powerful vehicle for empathy, allowing us to see the world through the eyes of others, to confront questions, challenges, and moral dilemmas at a safe distance.

Equally important is the element of effect: drama “rouses interest or gives pleasure.” The artistic purpose is to capture attention and evoke enjoyment. Drama’s success is measured by its ability to engage the spectator’s curiosity, emotions, or sense of beauty. The pleasure derived need not be happiness alone; it may arise from suspense, pathos, catharsis, or even discomfort. What matters is that the audience is moved, that their interest is sparked and sustained through the unfolding of events.

By this broad definition, drama transcends genre, theme, or even medium. Any form, be it comedy or tragedy, performed on stage or screen, classical or contemporary, is considered drama if it stirs the minds and hearts of those who watch. The universality of Baker’s view elevates drama to a fundamental aspect of human storytelling, rooted in our timeless fascination with the imitation and exploration of life itself.