theatricality; showmanship; dramatics
Refers to exaggerated, attention-seeking behavior or a flair for the dramatic, as if acting on stage. Often used in phrases like 芝居っ気たっぷり (full of theatrics) or 芝居っ気がある (has a theatrical streak).
See also: 芝居気
His apology was so theatrical that I couldn't believe it was sincere.
That politician's speech is full of dramatics.
Compound of 芝居 (play, drama) + っ気 (suffix indicating a tendency or quality). The suffix っ気 derives from 気 (spirit, mood) with an inserted geminate consonant for euphony.