forepiece

plural forepieces · alternative fore-piece · alternative fore piece

1. The front or forward-facing piece of an object, especially of a cap
2. Any introductory or beginning segment of an event or work, such as a play

   Such forepieces included comedies and tragedies and were often intended to provide an element of 'moral improvement' for the often rowdy and ill-educated audiences the pantomime attracted in the late 18th century.

   1993, David Pickering, John Morley, Encyclopedia of pantomime