Anafterpiece is a short, usuallyhumorous one-actplaylet or musical work following the main attraction, the full-length play, and concluding the theatrical evening.[1] This short comedy,farce,opera orpantomime was a popular theatrical form in the 18th and 19th centuries. It was presented to lighten the five-acttragedy that was commonly performed.
A similar piece preceding the main attraction is acurtain raiser.
An example isThe Padlock byCharles Dibdin, first performed inLondon in 1768.
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