Drama Glossary
Key theatre terms and definitions including related shows.
The writer responsible for crafting the words sung in a musical or opera. Lyricists collaborate closely with composers and librettists to ensure the lyrics support character, mood, and narrative progression.
The words of a song, especially those set to music in a theatrical production such as a musical or opera. Lyrics convey character emotions and advance the plot, requiring poetic and rhythmic sensitivity.
Relating to the gruesome or morbid, often used in theatrical works that explore death or horror. Macabre themes are prevalent in Gothic drama and add emotional weight through dark imagery and mood.
A literary and theatrical style blending realistic narrative with fantastical elements to explore complex truths.
An artist’s greatest work, often referenced in biographies or dramatizations about creative achievement and legacy.
An epic Sanskrit text that has inspired numerous stage adaptations, highlighting themes of war, dharma, and fate.
A male relative whom a Muslim woman cannot marry, referenced in plays examining family structures and cultural practices.
A musical scale or key characterized by a bright and upbeat tone, often associated with resolution and joy. In theatre, major keys support emotional storytelling in musical scores.
A comedic device where a word is mistakenly replaced with a similar-sounding but incorrect one, leading to humorous misunderstanding. Frequently used in English Renaissance comedy to reveal character ignorance.
A Latin stage direction meaning 'he/she remains,' used in older play scripts to indicate a character does not exit. It supports precise staging and historical script reading.
A written statement declaring the artistic or political intentions of a theatrical movement or company.
A puppet controlled by strings, used in theatre to enact lifelike movement and tell stories with visual artistry.