dramaturgy

noun

dra·​ma·​tur·​gy ˈdra-mə-ˌtər-jē How to pronounce dramaturgy (audio)
ˈdrä-
: the art or technique of dramatic composition and theatrical representation
dramaturgic adjective
or dramaturgical
dramaturgically adverb

Examples of dramaturgy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The dramaturgy was meticulously developed with a focus on the transformation arc of the characters. Emiliano Granada, Variety, 14 Oct. 2023 In the new film, Hamaguchi boldly stands cinematic dramaturgy on its head, starting the film with an extended sequence of images that don’t tell much of a story and keep the audience guessing. Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2023 In each of its productions, the theater draws connections between history and current social and political issues through lobby displays, program notes and dramaturgy. Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2023 The show’s original music is from Andrew T. Mackay with dramaturgy by Jack Bradley. Abbey White, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 June 2023 This is daring dramaturgy, requiring the utmost in tonal control to keep it from tipping into righteous bathos. Jesse Green, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2021 Barbey and Peter also shaped it through the black-and-white camerawork of Nikolaï von Graevenitz, who sublimates the reality of the protagonist and the dramaturgy in very thoughtful and composed frames. Trinidad Barleycorn, Variety, 23 Apr. 2023 But his style is informed by a pop-cultural zaniness that is integral to the dramaturgy. Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2023 Her play is in many ways a departure from traditional American dramaturgy, says Ms. Ruhl, one of the current playwrights-in-residence at the Signature Theatre. Harry Bruinius, The Christian Science Monitor, 16 Mar. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dramaturgy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

German Dramaturgie, from Greek dramatourgia dramatic composition, from dramat-, drama + -ourgia -urgy

First Known Use

1801, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dramaturgy was in 1801

Dictionary Entries Near dramaturgy

Cite this Entry

“Dramaturgy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dramaturgy. Accessed 3 Dec. 2023.

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