A dumbshow is like a quiet story that's told without any words. Imagine playing a game of charades, where you have to act out what you're thinking without talking. A dumbshow is kind of like that, except it's usually part of a play or performance.
In the olden days, people used dumbshows to give the audience a sneak peek of what's going to happen later in the play. It's like saying "Hey, watch this!" and then doing a little skit that helps the audience understand what's going on.
For example, let's say there's going to be a big battle in the play. The characters might do a dumbshow where they pretend to fight each other with pretend swords and shields. This would give the audience an idea of what's coming up later.
The cool thing about dumbshows is that they can be really artistic and creative. The actors have to use body language, facial expressions, and even music and dance to tell their story without using any words. It's like making a silent movie on stage.
So next time you see a play or performance, keep an eye out for any dumbshows. They might seem a little funny or strange at first, but they're actually a really cool and unique way of telling a story.