Drama Glossary
Key theatre terms and definitions including related shows.
A term used in postmodern and cultural theory to refer to anyone perceived as different or outside the dominant group. The concept of the Other influences character dynamics and social commentary in theatre.
Pacing is the speed and rhythm at which a play, scene, or performance unfolds, influenced by dialogue, action, and directorial choices. It shapes the audience’s emotional engagement, creating tension, urgency, or moments of reflection. Effective pacing ensures balance between dramatic intensity and quieter beats, guiding the overall flow of the theatrical experience
A literary device that reveals a truth through contradiction, often used in dramatic dialogue and themes.
Parody is a comedic imitation of a style, genre, or work that exaggerates its features for humorous or satirical effect. In theatre, it playfully mocks conventions, characters, or cultural icons while still relying on audience recognition of the original. Parody can both celebrate and critique its subject, often blurring the line between homage and ridicule.
A work imitating styles or genres from various sources, often used in postmodern theatre for satire or homage.
The male head of a family or group, often dramatized in theatre to explore power, legacy, and traditional authority.
A character of aristocratic background, frequently portrayed in plays dealing with class, privilege, or political power.
A system of thought exploring existence, ethics, or knowledge, often influencing theatrical movements like existentialism or realism.
Written in a way that represents the sounds of speech.
A play within a play is a dramatic device in which a secondary performance is staged inside the larger work. This inner play can mirror, parody, or contrast with the main story, often adding layers of meaning or humor. It allows the audience to reflect on the nature of performance, illusion, and storytelling itself.
An officially appointed poet recognized for their literary contributions, sometimes involved in writing for state ceremonies.
Poetic dialogue is language in a play that goes beyond everyday speech, using rhythm, imagery, or musical qualities to express deep emotions and abstract ideas. Instead of plain conversation, characters may speak in heightened or lyrical ways that reveal the intensity of their feelings or the dreamlike quality of the world around them. This style encourages audiences to focus on the beauty and meaning of the words, not just the plot.