theatricalism

[ thee-a-tri-kuh-liz-uh m ]

/ θiˈæ trɪ kəˌlɪz əm /

conduct suggesting theatrical actions or mannerisms, especially of an extravagant or exhibitionist sort.

Origin of theatricalism

First recorded in 1850–55; theatrical + -ism

sem·i·the·at·ri·cal·ism, noun

There was no curtain, no stage, no scenery, no theatricalism.

Homespun Tales |Kate Douglas Wiggin
France, during his day, was governed by the dictates of theatricalism.

Modern Painting, Its Tendency and Meaning |Willard Huntington Wright
He laughed with a sense of treating himself to a theatricalism.

Erik Dorn |Ben Hecht
The theatricalism of the ground-plan infused itself into the music with Meyerbeer.

Richard Wagner His Life and His Dramas |W. J. Henderson

Only the French genius is capable of just such a splendid blend of naïveté, emotion, and the best kind of theatricalism.

A Boswell of Baghdad |E. V. Lucas