theatrical adaptation
Play from book
A theatrical adaptation is a stage version of a work originally created in another form—typically a novel, film, or historical event.
The process involves reshaping narrative and dialogue for live performance: The theatrical adaptation of Les Misérables became one of Broadway's longest-running shows.
Adaptations must compress and dramatize, often cutting subplots while amplifying visual and musical elements suited to the stage.
- dramaturgyArt of theatrical structure
- scriptwritingComposing film or TV text
- stage directionScript's movement instruction
- castPerformers, throw, or splint
- ensemble castMultiple principal performers equally
reinterpretation · dramatization · line · intertextuality · costume design · costume change · book to screen · set · script · actor · dress rehearsal · folklore · stage · cultural preservation · faithfulness · abridgment · graphic novel · condensation
- adaptationsfilm adaptations, TV adaptations, stage adaptations, novel adaptations, dramatization
- ShakespeareRomeo, Juliet, Hamlet, Macbeth, Othello
- theaterplays, stage, play, onstage, acting
- comedy typesclown, satire, parody, farce, slapstick
- Greek TheaterGreek tragedy, tragedy, Greek drama, comedy, Sophocles
- operaopera, aria, arias, soprano, tenor
theatrical adaptationsource material
Original work adapted from
original composition · source text · original script · original screenplay · primary source
theatrical adaptationfilm adaptation
Movie from prior source
novel · screen adaptation · film · screenplay · prose fiction