dumb show
A "dumb show" is a silent theatrical technique that relies on gestures and movements to convey meaning, often used in early English drama.
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Definition
B2Theater
(historical, technical)A silent performance or part of a play where actors use gestures to tell a story or convey a message.
Example
- The play began with a dumb show to set the scene for the audience.
- In Elizabethan drama, a dumb show was often used to foreshadow events in the main play.
B1General
(general)Using gestures to communicate without speaking.
Example
- He resorted to a dumb show to explain his point when words failed him.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "dumb show":
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