The Semiotics of Theatre and Drama

The semiotics of theatre and drama studies how signs—such as words, gestures, costumes, and scenery—convey meaning to the audience. It explores how these elements work together to communicate themes, emotions, and ideas beyond spoken dialogue. Essentially, semiotics examines how theatrical symbols function like a language, shaping our understanding and interpretation of a performance. This approach helps us see how every detail in a play contributes to the story’s deeper message, making theatre a rich system of visual and symbolic communication.