Drama Glossary
Key theatre terms and definitions including related shows.
A person, thing, or idea that exists out of its time in history, especially one that happened or existed later than the period being shown or discussed.
A comparison between one thing and another, typically for the purpose of explanation or clarification.
In theatre, analysis involves breaking down a script, character, or performance to understand its meaning, structure, and emotional arc. It is a key tool used by actors, directors, and dramaturgs during the rehearsal process.
A Ghanaian theatrical form based on the folktales of Anansi the spider, blending oral storytelling and performance.
A trickster spider character from West African folklore who appears in theatrical storytelling and educational plays.
A political figure rejecting authority, often appearing in revolutionary or protest-based theatre.
An ancestor is a person from whom one is descended. In theatre, the term may appear in plays dealing with family heritage, legacy, or traditional beliefs, especially in cultural or historical works.
A British movement of the 1950s featuring working-class protagonists rebelling against social norms.
A musical line that moves in large, disjointed intervals rather than smooth, stepwise motion, creating tension or instability.
A strong feeling of hostility between characters that drives dramatic tension and conflict.
Anon' is an archaic English term meaning “soon” or “shortly.” It is often encountered in the dialogue of English Renaissance plays such as those by Shakespeare.
The antagonist is a character who opposes the protagonist and creates conflict within the story. They are not always villains but are critical to the development of dramatic tension.