rival performance; public confrontation
Meanings
2 senses · 4 examplesnoun
rival performances; simultaneous, identical plays staged by two troupes to compete
neutralAn idiom originating from the traditional theater. Literally describes two opera troupes performing the same play at the same time in nearby theaters to compete for audiences.
In the old opera houses, rival performances were sometimes staged; audiences would go to whichever side was more exciting.
Those two teahouses are both staging 'Farewell My Concubine' tonight; it's a real case of rival performances.
Definition
public confrontation; deliberate opposition
neutralThis is a metaphorical extension of the literal theater meaning. It refers to any act of deliberately opposing someone or something in public, often to undermine their authority or agenda. See also the verb phrase '唱对台戏'.
He always confronts the leader in meetings, raising completely opposite opinions.
The two companies launched products with almost identical features, which the market saw as a public confrontation.