noun
community performance; local amateur theatricals
Refers to theatrical performances put on by local residents, often in a rural or small-town setting. The term is somewhat specialized and may not be widely known outside of contexts discussing traditional community arts.
See also: 地狂言
村の祭りで地芝居が上演された。
A community play was performed at the village festival.
地芝居の稽古は毎晩公民館で行われている。
Rehearsals for the local amateur theatricals are held every evening at the community center.
Compound of 地 (ji, 'local') and 芝居 (shibai, 'play, theatrical performance'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term likely emerged to describe amateur theatricals performed by local communities.