Dramatic Works
Definition
Includes choreographic show and the script or scenario for a cinematograph film but not the film itself. Also includes the script or lines for a performer as well as choreographic notation. Any work that is intended to be performed would be covered as a dramatic work.
Rights of Copyright Owners
Copyright owners of dramatic works have control over the following rights in relation to their works:
- reproduce the work in material form;
- publish the work;
- perform the work in public;
- communicate the work to the public;
- make an adaptation of the work; and
- do any of these acts in relation to an adaptation of the work.
Duration of copyright
Copyright in literary, dramatic and musical works published, performed, broadcast or recorded and offered for sale in the author's lifetime lasts for the life of the author plus 70 years from the end of the year of the author's death.
Copyright in literary, dramatic and musical works NOT published, performed, broadcast, recorded and offered for sale during the author's lifetime lasts for 70 years from the end of the year of first publication, performance or broadcast.
Copyright in literary, dramatic and musical works made for, or first published by a government, or in which copyright is owned by a government, lasts for 50 years from the end of the year of first publication.
Copyright in works first published anonymously or under a pseudonym lasts for 70 years from the end of the year of first publication.
See Australian Copyright Council Info Sheet G23 for more information about duration of copyright.
Limits on Copying, Communication and/or Performances
Generally, permission will be needed from the copyright owners before a dramatic work may be copied, communicated or performed. There are only very limited circumstances under which a dramatic work may be copied, communicated or performed without permission from the copyright owners.
If you would like to reproduce, communicate or perform a dramatic work for educational purposes then refer to Guidelines for Using Copyright Material for Educational Purposes.
If you would like to reproduce, communicate or perform the work(s) for the purposes of study or research, you need to refer to the Fair Dealing Provisions.
You may also be able to reproduce a dramatic work that you own for personal use.
If you would like to reproduce, communicate or perform the work(s) for any other reason, commercially, for open access publication, commercial publishing or you wish to use more than the provisions allow, you will need to seek permission. See Requesting Permission From a Copyright Owner to Reproduce Material for further information.
Acknowledgements
It is important that the source of the material and the 'moral rights' of the copyright owner are acknowledged and properly attributed.
If the copyright owner is unknown, indicate 'Copyright owner unknown. All reasonable attempts made to identify. If you are the copyright owner or know who they are then please advise us'.