Drama Glossary
Key theatre terms and definitions including related shows.
The area onstage where actors perform, which can be defined by lighting, set, or blocking. Effective use of playing space shapes audience focus and narrative flow.
An officially appointed poet recognized for their literary contributions, sometimes involved in writing for state ceremonies.
Poetic dialogue is language in a play that goes beyond everyday speech, using rhythm, imagery, or musical qualities to express deep emotions and abstract ideas. Instead of plain conversation, characters may speak in heightened or lyrical ways that reveal the intensity of their feelings or the dreamlike quality of the world around them. This style encourages audiences to focus on the beauty and meaning of the words, not just the plot.
The executive committee of communist parties, dramatized in theatre to explore authoritarianism and ideological control.
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.
A musical texture where multiple independent melodies are played simultaneously, enriching the harmonic landscape.
The simultaneous use of two or more conflicting rhythms, often found in world music and modern theatrical scores.
A doll or small figure of a person, often used in folk magic or witchcraft.
A technique used in consent-based rehearsal where one declines participation respectfully and clearly without guilt.
Describes a genre or setting in theatre that explores life after societal collapse, often raising existential themes.
A theoretical framework examining the effects of colonialism on culture and identity, often explored in World Theatre.
Describes works published or recognition given after a person’s death, often dramatized to highlight legacy or injustice.