monodrama

A single actor performs a monodrama on a bare stage.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A dramatic work for a single performer: "monodrama" is a play or theatrical piece in which only one actor performs, often portraying multiple characters or a single character's perspective.
   • A solo performance: It can also refer to any performance (e.g., in opera or dance) that features a single performer as the sole focus.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The playwright wrote a monodrama for the festival, requiring only one actor to tell the entire story. (A dramatic piece designed for a single performer.)
  • Her monodrama about the life of a war veteran was praised for its emotional depth. (A solo performance exploring a character's experiences.)

Advanced Usage

• "to perform a monodrama": to act in a solo theatrical piece.

  • He performed a monodrama based on a famous poem, captivating the audience with his range. (He acted alone in a dramatic adaptation.)

• "monodrama as a genre": a category of drama that emphasizes individual expression and introspection.

  • Monodrama often allows the actor to explore complex inner conflicts without the distraction of other characters. (The genre focuses on a single character's psychological journey.)

Variants and Related Words

• Monodramatic (adj): relating to or characteristic of a monodrama.

  • The monodramatic structure of the play gave the actor a challenging yet rewarding role. (The structure is centered on a single performer.)

• Monologist (n): a performer who delivers a monologue or performs a monodrama.

  • The monologist received a standing ovation for her powerful monodrama. (The performer specialized in solo pieces.)

Synonyms

• Solo drama: a theatrical work for one actor.
• One-person show: a performance featuring a single performer.

Related Idioms

• One-man show: a performance or event dominated by a single person (often used metaphorically).
  • The CEO's presentation was a one-man show, with no input from others. (A performance or situation controlled entirely by one individual.)

Phrasal Verbs

• Act out: to perform a role or scene as part of a monodrama.
  • She acted out the monodrama with intense emotion. (She performed the solo piece.)

Notes on Usage

• "Monodrama" is distinct from a "monologue" (a long speech by one character in a play with multiple characters). A monodrama is a complete work for a single performer, while a monologue is part of a larger dramatic work.