Drama Glossary
Key theatre terms and definitions including related shows.
An 11 o’clock number is a show-stopping song that appears late in a musical, usually near the climax. It is often performed by the lead character and delivers a surge of emotional or dramatic power. The number reenergizes the audience and sets up the finale.
A cappella refers to vocal music performed without instrumental accompaniment. Singers rely on harmony, rhythm, and tone to create a full sound. It is often used in choirs, vocal ensembles, and musical theatre moments requiring intimacy or vocal precision.
The Abbey Theatre is Ireland’s national theatre, founded in Dublin in 1904 by W.B. Yeats and Lady Augusta Gregory. It became a central hub for Irish cultural identity and the Irish Literary Revival. The theatre continues to promote new Irish plays and dramatists
In theatre and literature, abdication refers to a character formally renouncing power, responsibility, or a throne. This act often triggers major shifts in a story’s conflict and themes. It can symbolize sacrifice, weakness, or transformation depending on the context.
Abibigromma is the resident theatre company of the University of Ghana, established in 1983. It is known for blending traditional Ghanaian performance styles with modern theatre. The company tours internationally, showcasing African stories and cultural heritage.
Abolitionism was a 19th-century movement dedicated to ending slavery and the slave trade. It influenced theatre, literature, and performance as artists engaged with themes of freedom and human rights. Plays addressing abolitionist ideas often carried strong political and moral messages.
Aboriginal refers to the Indigenous peoples of Australia, encompassing diverse nations, languages, and traditions. Aboriginal theatre often highlights oral storytelling, dance, and music as vital cultural expressions. Modern Aboriginal drama explores identity, history, and the impact of colonization.
Abridged describes a text or performance that has been shortened while retaining its essential content. In theatre, abridged scripts remove or condense material to suit time limits or audience needs. These versions allow greater accessibility while maintaining the story’s core themes.
Absurdism is a 20th-century theatrical style that reflects the belief that life lacks inherent meaning. Playwrights such as Samuel Beckett and Eugène Ionesco used illogical dialogue, repetition, and surreal situations. The genre emphasizes the futility of human struggle and the breakdown of communication.
The Académie Française is France’s official council on the French language, founded in 1635. It regulates grammar, vocabulary, and usage, shaping literary and theatrical traditions. Its authority has influenced how plays are written, translated, and preserved in French culture.
Accra is the capital city of Ghana and an important hub for African theatre and performance. It is home to institutions such as the National Theatre of Ghana and companies like Abibigromma. The city fosters a rich blend of traditional storytelling and contemporary drama.
The act curtain, also called the main curtain or grand drape, is the large curtain that separates the stage from the audience. It typically opens at the start of a performance and closes at intermissions or the end. This curtain establishes theatrical transitions and creates a sense of spectacle.