Theater has been around for many generations starting back in the time period of Baroque dealing with Operas.  There was music that was intertwined along with acting and dancing. Over the past decades it has been changing drastically with the times.

It has also been said that dramas and plays are very different when looked at in different countries.

In the United States it is simply called "theater," where in Japan it is called Kabuki.

Examples of Western theatre include: The Fantaskics, Wicked, Beauty and the Beast Etc.
Examples of Kabuki include:







Chijimiya Shinsuke Hachiman Matsuri Yomiya no Nigiwai
  Chô no Michiyuki Keisei Yamato Zôshi
  Daijo Kanadehon Chûshingura
  Daimotsu no Ura Yoshitsune Sembon Zakura