CultureJuly 17, 2026

psychodrama

/ˌsaɪkəʊˈdrɑːmə/

Definition

A dramatic work or theatrical production that focuses on the intense, often troubled psychological states and emotional conflicts of its characters.

Etymology

The word is a 20th-century compound derived from the Greek 'psyche' (soul or mind) and 'drama' (action or play). It originally emerged in the context of group psychotherapy before being adopted to describe intense psychological themes in literature and film.

In the news

The article uses the term to describe the 1973 play 'Equus', highlighting its role as an intense, character-driven exploration of a mind in emotional crisis.

The Ten

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Monocle

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