play-act

Short definition from Wiktionary

Verb

1. 1
   To perform on stage; to act in a play.
2. 2
   To play (a scene, role etc.); to act out.
3. 3
   To engage in pretence or insincere behavior, often in order to mislead someone or gain an advantage.
4. 4
   To make a pretence of; to feign or simulate.