Which type of performance involves pageants, ceremonies, and rituals?

The type of performance that involves pageants, ceremonies, and rituals is closely associated with masked performance. Masked performances often transcend traditional storytelling by incorporating a wide range of cultural and spiritual elements, which can include the use of masks to represent deities, spirits, or social roles during various rituals and ceremonies. These performances can be deeply rooted in cultural traditions and are often used to mark significant social events or transitions within communities, thus encapsulating the essence of pageantry and ritualistic behavior.

In contrast, improvisational theatre primarily focuses on spontaneous creation without a script, which may not typically involve the structured ceremonies or rituals seen in masked performances. One-act plays are more focused on concise storytelling within a single act and do not inherently include the elements of ceremonial performance. Contemporary drama, while diverse, often emphasizes more modern themes and issues rather than the ceremonial aspects found in masked performance. This makes masked performance uniquely aligned with the characteristics of pageants, ceremonies, and rituals.