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fabula

fabula

1 9.9
A play written to be acted, often from ancient Roman theatre
  • noun
  • /ˈfæbjʊlə/
  • Literature
translation icon : fábula

Examples

  • One by Jean-Luc Godard, equally technical and fictional, closely associates tekn and fabula: (n11).

    Academic text (2004)
  • Such images appear again in the "Fabula de Piramo y Tisbe," in which Gongora places in relief the ambiguity of poetic language by parodying both Ovid's style and his own culteranismo.

    Academic text (1990)
  • The ancient Roman theater showcased a captivating fabula that entertained audiences for generations.

  • In her latest play, she drew inspiration from the classic fabula that highlighted the struggles of love and betrayal.

  • During the festival, a fabula was performed, illustrating themes of heroism and sacrifice from mythology.

Synonyms

play
vsfabula
1.4

A story written to be performed by actors on a stage

is specific to ancient or classical stage works rather than any modern pieces
drama
vsfabula
239 1.8

A story performed by actors on stage

is used mainly for ancient Roman or classical theatre works
2 3.7

Putting on a play in a theatre with actors, sets, and lights

is the historical term for such works not the modern staging approach
1 3.7

A staged play that actors perform live for an audience

is the historic label for the work itself not the act of showing it
1 3.5

An event where actors act a play for an audience

is the ancient term for the written work rather than the live event

How Classical

fabula
  • Literature
1 9.9
play
1.4

Surface Forms

fabula singular
fabulae plural

Etymology

Fabula is a Latin word that means 'story' and in ancient Rome it was used for a staged tale or play. It is the source of English fable, so thinking of a fabula as a story acted on stage helps you remember the dramatic meaning.