What was the play 5-10 years ago where all the dialogue consisted of generic words describing what might be said This might have been a short piece rather than a full-length play; I heard about it in a news story. I don't remember any details, but the idea was that instead of actually speaking content words, the actors all just used dialogue which was generic and descriptive, although conveyed plenty of emotion and nuance. E.g., > Alice: General question? > Bob: Non-committal reply. > Alice: Subtly modified inquiry? > Bob: Suspicious Irony? Confident dismissal. > Alice: Hesitant reiteration... > Bob: Emphatic redirection! > Alice: Shrugging acceptance, faux pleasantry. Etc. I'm having trouble finding it because any google search for relevant terms like "play using generic words" just gives me lists of theatre jargon and the like.

You might be thinking of this:

Academy Award Winning Movie Trailer (2011), by Youtubers BriTANick (original video title Trailer For Every Oscar-Winning Movie Ever [2010])

It's _not_ a play or a piece for theatre, but a spoof film trailer. But the theme of the dialogue is so _exactly_ what you describe that I'm posting it as an answer anyway. For example:

> B: Friendly concern that something may be missing from your life.
> A: Confidence that nothing is missing in my life.
> B: Interrupted statement about -
> A: Reassurance that my good fortune will not waver.
> _[Cut to A in a dark room holding a half-empty bottle. A knock at the door.]_

Later:

> B: Specific outlining of your major character flaws.
> A: Overreaction! _[slamming B against the wall]_
> C _[unseen]_ : Friendly black optimistic advice.
> D _[sobbing]_ : Passionate plea! Whispered repetition.