Drama Glossary
Key theatre terms and definitions including related shows.
A region in northern England with a strong theatre tradition and dialect often used to signify working-class or regional identity.
A Chinese dynasty (1271–1368) notable for the rise of zaju theatre, blending music, poetry, and dramatic storytelling.
A stock servant character in Commedia dell’arte, often foolish, clever, or acrobatic, inspiring modern clown archetypes.
A comedic character type known for foolish or madcap behavior, originating from Commedia dell’arte as a stock clown figure.
A Spanish form of musical theatre combining spoken and sung scenes, blending operatic and popular music traditions.
The spirit or mood of a particular period in history, often captured in theatre to reflect collective consciousness.
Used metaphorically in theatre to describe the emotional or dramatic peak of a character’s arc or storyline.
An archaic oath derived from 'God’s wounds,' used in Elizabethan drama for shock or emphasis.
A South African ethnic group with a rich oral tradition that has influenced contemporary and traditional forms of World Theatre.