This would appear to be a transference of usage from theatrical tradition.

Think also of the whole theatrical tradition of the zarzuela, the local form of operetta.

Finally, purely instrumental music also developed during this period, both in the context of a growing theatrical tradition and for court consumption.

The school has a strong musical and theatrical tradition with the majority of pupils learning an instrument and taking part in school plays.

There may have been a much longer theatrical tradition but it was probably not regarded as legitimate literature and mostly went unrecorded.