Drama Glossary
Key theatre terms and definitions including related shows.
A symbol of the unpredictable nature of fate. The wheel is spun by the goddess Fortuna at random, and can cause some people to suddenly have great fortune while others suffer miserable fates.
A common practice in Theatre of the Oppressed, relying on audience participation and feedback.
Skin-colored makeup used to even or change skin tone. Special effects makeup might use an unnatural color for foundation.
The imaginary wall between an audience and actors. To “break the fourth wall” means that actors acknowledge that the audience is there.
Writing whatever comes to mind without changing it or censoring it.
The political upheaval that began in 1789 and ended with the overthrow of the Bourbon monarchy in France in 1799. It marked a watershed moment in European history.
A long period of war and unrest between Catholics and Huguenots in France between 1562 and 1598.
A Japanese flute.
A musical composition in which one or two themes are repeated or imitated by successively entering voices and contrapuntally developed.
An artistic and literary movement that emphasized technology and objects like cars and airplanes. The visual style was characterized by compositions expressing ideas of energy and movement.
The top level of seating in the theatre, containing the cheapest seats.
Humor that is grim or ironic in the face of a helpless situation.