guerrilla theater

American  

noun

1. the presentation of short propaganda plays or skits, usually on sociopolitical themes, as war or repression, often on the streets or in other nontheater locations.

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Etymology

Origin of guerrilla theater

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

guerrilla theater

Seller described the 90-minute concert as an act of "guerrilla theater" featuring "gay characters, gay culture, gay music and gay pride" in an interview with The New York Times.

From Salon ● Jun. 23, 2025

Some of the actions he advocated were benign guerrilla theater, like dressing in hazmat suits outside national parks to highlight the risk of pollution.

From New York Times ● Sep. 28, 2022

Tom Hayden chastised Rubin: “Are you going to have a press conference and make very serious statements, or are you going to have a whole Yippie guerrilla theater performance?”

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 31, 2017

In genteel Richmond, guerrilla theater is a rarity.

From Washington Post ● Apr. 8, 2016

Outside the center, he performed in a piece of "guerrilla theater" meant to dramatize American brutality in Viet Nam.

From Time Magazine Archive