Play (theatre)

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For other uses, see Play.

A play, or stageplay, is a form of literature written by a playwright, almost always consisting of dialogue between fictional characters, intended for theatrical performance rather than reading. The term "play" or "straight play" is often used in contrast to a "musical", which refers to a play based on music, dance, and songs sung by the play's characters.

Many people (especially scholars) read plays for pleasure, or study them in an academic manner. There are rare dramatists, notably George Bernard Shaw, who have had little preference whether their plays were performed or read. So, the term "play" can refer to both the written works of playwrights and to their complete theatrical performance.^[1]

Richard Monette, who held the longest tenure of Artistic Director at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival (1994-2007), said that plays on the shelf are literature, whereas plays on the stage are theatre.^[2]

Contents 1 See also 1.1 Lists 1.2 Related topics 2 References

[edit] See also

[edit] Lists

• List of basic theatre topics
• List of Canadian plays
• List of films based on stage plays or musicals
• List of plays made into feature films

[edit] Related topics

• Closet drama
• Drama
• Dramatis personæ
• Playwright
• Theatre
  • History of theatre
• Screenplay
• Musical Theatre

[edit] References