Drama Glossary
Key theatre terms and definitions including related shows.
A character type marked by odd or unusual behavior, often used for comedic or dramatic effect.
A historical era in Japan (1603–1868) during which Kabuki and Bunraku theatre flourished as major cultural expressions.
The Edwardian Era is a period of British history from 1901 to 1910, named after King Edward VII. While technically defined by his reign, it is often extended to the outbreak of the First World War in 1914, marking the end of the "Beautiful Era" before the world changed forever. It is characterized by the opulence of the pre-war era, significant technological advancements, the peak of the British Empire, and the distinct fashion of the time, like large hats and elegant gowns.
Edwardian Musical Comedy was a popular British theatrical genre from the 1890s through the early 1910s that blended operetta traditions with witty dialogue, romance, and lavish spectacle. Pioneered by producer George Edwardes at Daly’s Theatre, these shows featured catchy, accessible songs, glamorous chorus numbers, and light satirical plots that reflected contemporary society. They served as a key bridge between 19th-century operetta and the development of the modern musical.
In acting or movement, refers to the degree of energy, focus, and intensity used to perform physical or emotional action.
A term meaning 'equal'; may appear in historical or revolutionary-themed plays, especially those with European roots.
Yoruba masquerade tradition involving masked performers who embody ancestral spirits through dance and ritual.
A note worth half a beat in common time, often used for quicker rhythms in theatrical songs and dance sequences.
A numbered overhead lighting position in a theatre from which lighting instruments are hung.
A magical or healing potion used symbolically or literally in theatre, especially in fantasy or mythic stories.
Queen of England whose reign supported the flourishing of English Renaissance theatre and the works of Shakespeare.
Relating to the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, marked by flourishing English drama and playwrights like Shakespeare and Marlowe.