Drama Glossary
Key theatre terms and definitions including related shows.
A form of Thai shadow puppetry using large, elaborately carved figures to narrate epic stories in silhouette.
An early form of Chinese drama that combined music, dialogue, and action, influencing the evolution of Kunqu opera.
A term referring to Thai classical dancers who perform in stylized theatre forms like Khon and Lakhon.
Naturalistic drama is a theatrical style that seeks to present life on stage with heightened realism, portraying characters, dialogue, and settings as close to everyday reality as possible. It often emphasizes the influence of environment, heredity, and social conditions on human behavior, inspired by scientific and sociological ideas of the late 19th century. Productions typically use detailed, lifelike sets and natural speech patterns to immerse audiences in an authentic slice of life.
An ancient Sanskrit treatise detailing the principles of classical Indian dance and theatre, attributed to Bharata.
A leading male character in Indian classical drama, often romantic or heroic, paired with a female Nayika.
The archetypal female protagonist in Indian drama and dance, representing love, longing, and emotional expression.
African-American baseball leagues sometimes dramatized in plays to explore racial segregation and cultural pride.
Spiritual and metaphysical beliefs, sometimes depicted in theatre to contrast traditional religion or promote alternative worldviews.
A cultural movement during the Harlem Renaissance promoting African-American arts, identity, and political empowerment.
A classical Japanese performance tradition combining dance, drama, music, and poetry, known for slow movement and spiritual themes.
A foundational Indian text on dramatic theory that outlines performance practices, stagecraft, and aesthetics.