演劇

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 演劇 (えんげき) is a noun for dramatic performance as an art form or for an individual play.
• Basic usage: 学校の演劇で役を演じる makes a school production the setting for a role, while 演劇を鑑賞する makes a play in a small theater the object watched.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Performance versus venue
  • In 劇場で演劇を鑑賞する, the venue 劇場 and performance 演劇 are distinct. Although English “theater” can name the art form, 演劇 itself is not the theater building.