pantomimes

Pantomimes are theatrical performances that tell stories through exaggerated gesture, movement, and facial expression rather than spoken words.

In British tradition, a pantomime (or panto) is a specific type of comedic holiday stage show featuring fairy tale plots, audience participation, and gender-swapped casting.

The verb pantomime means to act something out silently with gestures: He pantomimed opening a door.

By extension, pantomimes can describe any insincere or empty display: The hearings were mere pantomimes of accountability.