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Glossary of Words and Phrases in the Oral Performing and Dramatic Literatures

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Published in A Glossary Of Words And Phrases In The Oral Performing And Dramatic Literatures Of The Jin Yuan And Ming (Michigan Monographs In Chinese Studies 89)

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A Glossary of Words and Phrases in the Oral Performing and Dramatic Literatures of the Jin, Yuan, and Ming (Michigan Monographs In Chinese Studies Book 89)

by Victor Villasenor

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	69893 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
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Print length	:	695 pages

This glossary provides definitions for a variety of words and phrases used in the oral performing and dramatic literatures. These terms are commonly encountered in discussions of theater, dance, and other forms of live performance.

Acting: The art of creating a character and bringing it to life on stage or in front of a camera. Acting involves using a variety of vocal and physical techniques to convey the character's emotions, motivations, and actions.
Blocking: The arrangement of actors on stage and their movements during a performance. Blocking is used to create a visual composition that supports the story and characters.
Characterization: The development of a character's personality, motivations, and relationships. Characterization is achieved through a variety of means, including dialogue, action, and physical appearance.
Choreography: The art of creating and arranging dance movements. Choreography is used to tell a story, express emotions, or create a pleasing visual spectacle.
Costume: The clothing and accessories that actors wear during a performance. Costume is used to create a character's visual identity and to convey information about their social status, occupation, and personality.
Dance: A form of performance art that involves the use of movement to express emotions and ideas. Dance can be performed solo, in pairs, or in groups.
Dialogue: The spoken words of the characters in a play or other dramatic work. Dialogue is used to advance the plot, develop the characters, and convey the playwright's themes.
Dramatic literature: A genre of literature that is intended to be performed. Dramatic literature includes plays, screenplays, and operas.
Gesture: A movement of the body or limbs used to express a character's emotions or intentions. Gestures can be used to emphasize words, create a mood, or convey information.
Improvisation: The art of creating spontaneous and unrehearsed performances. Improvisation is often used in theater and dance to explore new ideas and to develop characters and stories.
Lighting: The use of light to create a mood, atmosphere, or specific effect on stage. Lighting can be used to highlight characters, focus the audience's attention, and create a sense of time and place.
Makeup: The use of cosmetics to alter an actor's appearance. Makeup is used to create a character's physical identity and to convey information about their age, race, social status, and personality.
Monologue: A speech delivered by a single character, usually to express their thoughts and feelings. Monologues are often used to reveal a character's inner life and to advance the plot.
Movement: The use of the body to create a dynamic and visually engaging performance. Movement can be used to express emotions, convey information, and create a sense of time and place.
Music: The use of sound to create a mood, atmosphere, or specific effect on stage. Music can be used to accompany dance, set the tone for a scene, or create a sense of time and place.
Oral performing arts: A category of performance art that involves the use of spoken words, music, and movement. Oral performing arts include theater, dance, and opera.
Play: A dramatic work intended to be performed by actors. Plays can be written in a variety of styles, including comedy, tragedy, and historical drama.
Plot: The sequence of events that make up the story of a play or other dramatic work. The plot is used to drive the action of the play and to develop the characters.
Props: Objects used on stage to create a sense of time and place or to convey information about the characters. Props can include furniture, clothing, weapons, and food.
Rehearsal: The process of preparing a performance through practice. Rehearsals are used to learn the lines, block the action, and develop the characters.
Scenery: The physical environment of a play or other dramatic work. Scenery is used to create a sense of time and place and to support the action of the play.
Set: The physical space in which a play or other dramatic work is performed. The set is used to create a sense of time and place and to support the action of the play.
Stage: The raised platform on which a play or other dramatic work is performed. The stage is used to focus the audience's attention on the action of the play and to create a sense of space.
Staging: The arrangement of actors, props, and scenery on stage to create a visual composition that supports the story and characters.
Subtext: The underlying meaning or emotion of a line or scene. Subtext is often conveyed through vocal inflection, body language, and facial expression.
Symbolism: The use of objects, images, or colors to represent abstract ideas or emotions. Symbolism is often used in theater and dance to create a sense of mystery or to convey a deeper meaning.
Theme: The central idea or message of a play or other dramatic work. The theme is often revealed through the plot, characters, and dialogue.
Tragedy: A play or other dramatic work that ends in the death or suffering of the protagonist. Tragedies often explore the themes of fate, justice, and the human condition.

This glossary is just a starting point for understanding the rich and varied vocabulary of the oral performing and dramatic literatures. As you continue to explore these art forms, you will encounter many other terms and phrases that will help you to appreciate the artistry and complexity of live performance.

A Glossary of Words and Phrases in the Oral Performing and Dramatic Literatures of the Jin, Yuan, and Ming (Michigan Monographs In Chinese Studies Book 89)

by Victor Villasenor

4.5 out of 5