The play within a play

A play within a play is a theatrical device where a secondary performance is staged inside the main play, often to create additional meaning or highlight themes. This layered structure allows characters to reflect on their situations or reveal truths indirectly. For example, characters might act out scenes that mirror their own lives, or the inner play might expose underlying tensions. This technique encourages the audience to think more deeply about the story, reality, and illusion. It’s a way to add complexity and engagement, offering multiple perspectives within a single performance.