theatricalising BrE
theatricalizing AmE

In a more satisfying work, the theatricalizing of a scandal can strike compassionate chords and amplify larger themes.

Jeehee Hong, "Theatricalizing Death and Society in The Skeletons' Illusory Performance by Li Song," The Art Bulletin, XCIII, March 2011.

But while "The Shadow Box" was seen to have broken new ground in the theatricalizing of a sensitive topic, "Amazing Grace" appears to be little more than a rehash of material treated more persuasively in other forums.