Which form of artistic expression focuses on storytelling through music, dialogue, and performance?

The chosen answer reflects the essence of theatre, which is a performing art that combines various elements such as music, dialogue, and physical performance to tell a story. In theatre, performers portray characters and engage in scripted dialogue while often incorporating music to enhance the emotional depth and atmosphere of the narrative. This blend of spoken word and musical elements allows for a dynamic form of storytelling that captivates audiences, enabling them to experience a range of emotions and perspectives.

In contrast, photography captures still images and conveys stories through visual means but does not involve live performance or dialogue. Literature focuses on written narratives and does not typically include the performative aspect that characterizes theatre. Painting, while it can evoke stories or themes through visual art, also lacks the live performance element found in theatrical productions. Therefore, theatre stands out as the form of artistic expression that specifically fuses storytelling with performance, making it the correct answer.