Drama Glossary
Key theatre terms and definitions including related shows.
A reference to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, sometimes featured in theatre as cultural or religious characters. Their representation has appeared in notable works such as satirical musicals and dramas exploring faith and identity.
A recurring element, such as a symbol, image, or phrase, that reinforces a play’s themes. Motifs help unify the structure of a work and deepen its symbolic meaning.
A self-centered character trait often dramatized to explore vanity, manipulation, and personal downfall.
A philosophical concept of universal moral principles, sometimes invoked in plays about justice or moral dilemmas.
An antagonist or force of retribution often featured in tragedies to fulfill poetic justice or downfall.
Critical turning points or moments in a dramatic structure where key decisions or events alter the course of the narrative.
A non sequitur is a line of dialogue or statement that does not logically follow from what was said before. In drama, it is often used to break the expected flow of conversation, creating humor, surprise, or confusion. This device highlights how communication can become unpredictable or meaningless when logical connections are abandoned.
Non-verbal theatre communicates ideas, emotions, and stories without the use of spoken words. It often relies on movement, music, mime, or visual imagery to engage the audience. This form emphasizes universal human expression and can transcend language barriers.
A storytelling approach that does not follow chronological order, often using flashbacks, loops, or fractured narratives.
A plot structure that presents events out of sequence to challenge perception, deepen theme, or reflect fragmented experience.
A short play presented in a single act without intermission, ideal for festivals, student productions, or concise storytelling.
Orientalism is a Western artistic and literary approach that depicts Eastern cultures as exotic, mysterious, or idealized. It often relies on stereotypes and imaginative reinterpretations rather than accurate representation. In theatre and opera, Orientalism shaped settings, costumes, and storylines that reflected fascination with the “other.”