Drama Glossary
Key theatre terms and definitions including related shows.
An Irish exclamation of sorrow or grief, used in regional plays to reflect cultural identity and emotion.
Male actors in Kabuki theatre who specialize in performing female roles, often using highly stylized gestures and voices.
The ōtsuzumi is a large hand drum used in traditional Japanese Noh and Kabuki theatre. It has a wooden body with heads made of animal skin, laced with cords that are tightened to produce its sharp, high-pitched sound. Played by striking with the hand, the ōtsuzumi adds rhythmic punctuation and dramatic emphasis to performances.
A language spoken in Afghanistan and Pakistan, sometimes referenced in plays addressing war, culture, and identity.
An ethnic group primarily from Afghanistan and Pakistan, often represented in global theatre for their cultural identity and conflict.
A period piece is a theatrical work set in a specific historical era, recreating its fashions, manners, and cultural atmosphere. Costumes, sets, and dialogue are often designed to reflect the chosen time period as accurately as possible. Period pieces allow audiences to step into another age and experience its unique style and traditions.
The Thai name for Rama, the hero of the Ramakien epic, often depicted in traditional Thai theatre and masked dance.
A form that emphasizes movement over dialogue, blending dance and drama for expressive storytelling.
A four-stringed Chinese lute used in traditional opera and storytelling, known for its expressive range and percussive sound.
A classical Thai musical ensemble that accompanies traditional dance and theatre using wind, string, and percussion instruments.
A Korean double-reed woodwind instrument used in traditional court and theatrical music.
Political theatre is drama that directly addresses social, cultural, or governmental issues with the aim of provoking thought, debate, or change. It often critiques systems of power, highlights injustices, and challenges audiences to reflect on their own roles within society. By blurring the line between art and activism, political theatre seeks not only to entertain but also to raise awareness and inspire action.