Monodrama

A monodrama is a form of dramatic performance that centers on a single actor and a single narrative perspective. The term derives from the Greek words monos, meaning one, and d rama, meaning action or drama. In a monodrama, one performer presents the story, often revealing the inner thoughts, memories, or emotional state of a solitary character, while other characters may be represented only by off-stage voices, narration, or implied presence.

The form is distinguished from other solo presentations by its emphasis on a continuous or tightly focused dramatic arc delivered through one on-stage actor. It often requires intense psychological characterization and inventive staging, with lighting, sound, and minimal props used to create setting and mood. Some monodramas are deeply introspective, presenting a character’s intimate monologue or confessional, while others structure a compact narrative around a pivotal moment or revelation.

Monodrama appears in various theatrical traditions and can be found in contemporary theatre, performance art, and certain strands of experimental practice. It is also used in music theater and opera to describe works designed for a single voice with instrumental accompaniment, though such pieces may blend spoken and sung elements. In practice, a monodrama may be a formal play written for one actor, a performance piece that uses the artist’s persona, or a hybrid work that blurs lines between theatre, storytelling, and recital.

Related forms include the one-person show and other solo performance genres, which share the central feature of a single performer presenting the work to an audience. The monodrama remains a flexible and evolving approach to storytelling that prioritizes a singular experiential point of view.