tableaus
Striking arranged scenes
Tableaus is an alternative plural of tableau, a scene or arrangement where figures are positioned for dramatic effect.
The word often describes a striking visual composition—people frozen in place as if in a painting: The children arranged themselves in tableaus depicting scenes from history.
The standard plural is tableaux, following French convention, but tableaus is increasingly common in English.
Arranged creative works shown
- dioramasMiniature scenic displays
- vignettesBrief evocative descriptions
- snapshotsInformal, quick photographs
- still lifesPaintings of objects
Manhattan theatrical district
- musical numbersSongs in theatrical productions
- showstoppersSpectacles that astound audiences
- blockingImpeding forward progress
- pageantryElaborate ceremonial display
grand finales · proscenium · set pieces · dramatic reveals · spectacle
Interactive heritage demonstration
- reenactmentsStaged reproductions of events
- wax figuresSculptured human likenesses
- museum displaysArtifacts arranged for viewing
- Madame TussaudsWax sculpture exhibition venue
artistic displays
Arranged creative works shown
Broadway
Manhattan theatrical district
- musical numbersSongs in theatrical productions
- showstoppersSpectacles that astound audiences
- blockingImpeding forward progress
pageantry · grand finales · proscenium · set pieces · dramatic reveals · spectacle
living history
Interactive heritage demonstration
- reenactmentsStaged reproductions of events
- wax figuresSculptured human likenesses
- museum displaysArtifacts arranged for viewing
descriptive passages
Writing that portrays scenes
tableausaction sequences
Choreographed cinematic excitement
movement · live action · processions · motion pictures · motion
tableauschaos
Complete disorder and confusion
narratives · disorder · pandemonium · candid shots · improvisations