gallery (theatre); upper balcony
Specifically the upper, cheaper seating area in a traditional theatre, especially kabuki. The term is strongly associated with kabuki culture.
A shout came from the gallery of the Kabuki-za theatre.
audience (theatre); the masses; general public
By extension, the audience in the gallery, often seen as representing the common people or popular opinion. Can carry a nuance of the 'man on the street' or the general public's view.
His performance impressed the audience.
That policy is unpopular with the general public.
Standard spelling.
Irregular okurigana variant; less common but seen.
Compound of 大 (おお, 'big') and 向こう (むこう, 'opposite side'). Originally referred to the large seating area opposite the stage in traditional theatres, hence the gallery.