safety curtain

American  

noun

1. a sheet of asbestos or other fireproof material that can be lowered just inside the proscenium arch in case of fire, sealing off the backstage area from the auditorium.

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safety curtain British  

noun

1. a curtain made of fireproof material that can be lowered to separate the auditorium and stage in a theatre to prevent the spread of a fire

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Etymology

Origin of safety curtain

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

Eisenmenger’s career continued after World War II. When the Vienna State Opera — which had been heavily damaged by bombings — reopened in 1955 after a major redevelopment, Eisenmenger was selected to design its safety curtain.

From New York Times

In a magazine article he accused "middle-aged men and clergymen" of finding it acceptable to respond to her "desirable little body" because "the safety curtain of story and dialogue drops between their intelligence and desire".

From BBC

In some theatres, even the safety curtain feels as if it were part of the magic, a tantalising portal into another world.

From The Guardian

Between Acts II and III ten minutes and the safety curtain.

From Project Gutenberg

Despite its troubled history, the original safety curtain, which can still be seen outside of the opera season, seems to remain popular with some Austrians.

From New York Times