BACKDROP

[esp. UK] backcloth [noun] [C] - a large piece of cloth with buildings, countryside, etc. painted on it that is hung at the back of a stage during a performanceA moonlit sky was painted on the backdrop for the second act of the ballet.(figurative) The mountains form a dramatic backdrop to (= can be seen behind) the little village.(figurative) Their love affair began against a backdrop of war (= while war was happening).