A humorous scene in a play intended to ease tension is

A humorous scene in a play intended to ease tension is called comic relief. This is when a moment of humor or levity is introduced in a work that is otherwise serious or dramatic. The purpose of comic relief is to give the audience a break from the tension and emotion of the story, and to provide a moment of release and enjoyment. It can also serve to highlight the seriousness of the surrounding material by creating a contrast.