Drama Glossary
Key theatre terms and definitions including related shows.
A sacred Balinese trance dance performed to protect the community, often involving spirit possession and ritual chanting.
A Japanese Butoh dance troupe known for slow, surreal movement and powerful imagery exploring death, rebirth, and silence.
A French word meaning 'without,' often used in poetic or stylized speech in theatre to create rhythmic or dramatic effect.
An ancient language of India used in classical drama and religious texts, notably in Nātyaśāstra and Sanskrit theatre traditions.
Satire is a dramatic style that uses humor, irony, and exaggeration to criticize human behavior, social institutions, or political systems. In theatre, it highlights flaws and hypocrisies through wit and parody, encouraging audiences to laugh while also reflecting on serious issues. Satire can range from lighthearted comedy to biting social commentary, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.
A bawdy, comedic play from Ancient Greece that followed a tragic trilogy, featuring satyrs and farcical mythological themes.
A mindset where one feels compelled to 'rescue' others, portrayed in drama to reveal ego, guilt, or flawed altruism.
A series of operas produced by Gilbert and Sullivan at the Savoy Theatre, known for wit, satire, and musical style.
Blueprints of scenic or lighting designs rendered to proportion. Scale drawings guide the construction of sets and ensure spatial accuracy.
A small figure used in scenic models to indicate human proportions. Scale men help designers visualize space and performer interaction.
A three-dimensional miniature representation of the stage and set design, used for planning and presentation before full construction.
The analysis of verse to determine its rhythm and meter. Scansion is crucial in performing classical texts like Shakespeare with accurate emphasis and pacing.