This is the 9092nd most frequent Japanese word.
演
"演" means "performance" or "to act."
The word 演 is used as part of 演技 (acting), referring to the performance or expression of theatrical art.
彼の演技はとても自然でした。
His acting was very natural.
The word 演 appears within 演出 (direction), indicating the planning and oversight in artistic presentations.
この劇の演出が非常に独創的です。
The direction of this play is extremely creative.
In this sentence, 演 is part of 演説 (speech), referring to the delivery of a formal address.