What is an interlude in theater?

An interlude in theater is specifically characterized as a brief performance or a short play that takes place between acts of a larger play or during the intervals of events like banquets or feasts. This tradition dates back to medieval times when such performances were used to entertain guests and provide a form of diversion between courses of a meal. Interludes were often light-hearted and could include a mix of dialogue, song, and dance, which helped to engage the audience in a more interactive manner.

The other options refer to different forms of theatrical presentations. A full-length play performed at a festival would highlight a more substantial narrative rather than the shorter, interstitial nature of an interlude. A musical composition accompanied by dance pertains to musical theater or performance art but lacks the theatrical storytelling aspect. Lastly, improvised theater performed in public squares might evoke the spontaneity of street performances but does not fit the conventional definition of an interlude, which is tied to a designated intermission or break in larger theatrical works. Thus, option A accurately captures the essence of what an interlude is in the realm of theater.