Final answer:
Drama serves as a tool for society and culture to reflect on and influence major contemporary issues by portraying complex themes in a relatable and engaging manner. It facilitates dialogue about race, identity, inclusivity, and other societal topics, while also acting as an educational tool that challenges and progresses social norms.
Step-by-step explanation:
Culture and society use drama to articulate and process greater issues of our time by reflecting and influencing societal values and sparking dialogue. Through the medium of theater, various cultures have effectively addressed complex topics such as race, identity, and inclusivity. For example, the Pulitzer Prize-winning drama Fairview by Jackie Sibblies Drury insightfully portrays racial dynamics, and A Strange Loop by Michael R. Jackson presents unique perspectives by calling for an LGBTQ+ and BIPOC cast.
Theatre has historically adapted to cultural changes and societal needs. Sociologist Erving Goffman's dramaturgical analysis illustrates how theatre acts as a mirror for social interaction, suggesting that individuals perform roles in society much like actors on a stage. Furthermore, theater has evolved to include various forms of performance such as puppetry, dance, and music, echoing the cultural values and aesthetics of different societies worldwide.
Additionally, drama plays a role in bridging cultural diversity, by introducing audiences to different cultural expressions and promoting empathy and understanding. Plays and performances often serve as educational tools, raising awareness on important topics and stimulating social progress. Playwrights from different eras, like Bertolt Brecht and Henrik Ibsen, have used the stage to challenge societal norms and provoke thought among their audiences.