histrionics

histrionics
    n 1: a performance of a play [syn: {theatrical performance},
         {theatrical}, {representation}, {histrionics}]
    2: a deliberate display of emotion for effect
    

histrionics \his`tri*on"ics\, n.
   1. The histrionic art; stageplaying; acting.
      [PJC]

   2. Insincere, exaggeratedly emotional or overly dramatical
      speech or behavior performed to create an impression
      rather than as an expression of true feeling; feigned
      emotion.
      [PJC]
    

67 Moby Thesaurus words for "histrionics":
      Thespian art, amateur theatricals, blazon, blood and thunder,
      bravura, brilliancy, daring, dash, demonstration,
      demonstrativeness, display, dramatic art, dramatic form,
      dramatic irony, dramatic stroke, dramatic structure, dramaticism,
      dramatics, dramatism, dramaturgy, eclat, emotional appeal,
      emotionalism, emotionality, emotionalization, emotionalizing,
      emotiveness, emotivity, etalage, exhibition, exhibitionism,
      false front, fanfaronade, figure, flair, flaunt, flaunting,
      flourish, histrionism, human interest, love interest,
      making scenes, manifestation, melodrama, melodramatics,
      nonrationalness, pageant, pageantry, parade, play construction,
      sensationalism, sham, show, showing-off, spectacle, splash,
      splurge, staginess, theatricalism, theatricality, theatricals,
      theatricism, theatrics, unreasoningness, vaunt, visceralness,
      yellow journalism