Metadrama
Metadrama is a form of drama that self-consciously addresses the nature of theater itself. It often breaks the fourth wall, where characters acknowledge they are in a play, creating a layer of commentary on the act of performance. This technique invites the audience to reflect on the relationship between reality and representation.
Commonly found in works by playwrights like Samuel Beckett and Tom Stoppard, metadrama explores themes of illusion and reality. By highlighting the artificiality of the theatrical experience, it challenges viewers to consider the deeper meanings behind the characters' actions and the narrative structure.