Dasharupaka 1.7

1.7

avasthānukṛtirnāṭyaṃ rūpaṃ dṛśyatayocyate /
rūpakaṃ tat samāropād daśadhaiva rasāśrayam //

‘Drama is the imitating of situations.’

‘It is called a Show (rūpa, lit. form) because of the fact that it is seen.’

‘It [is called] Representation (rūpaka) because of the assumption [of parts by actors].’

‘It is tenfold, and is based on the Sentiments.’