The book Theory / Theatre: An Introduction summarizes for students of theatre studies and for every theatre-loving reader how the theories of 20th-century texts can speak to us about theatre and performance.

Theories from psychoanalysis, Marxism, semiotics, etc., illuminate the major trends in the theatre space during the 20th century. By analyzing exemplary performances (e.g., the works Dionysus 69 by the Performance Group or Oleanna by Mamet in the Toronto production in 1994, etc.), the book guides the reader through contemporary theatrical practice and provides them with the appropriate interpretive tools for every new theatrical event they encounter.

Contents

Translator's Note

Availability of Theatre Performances

Foreword to the Third Edition

Introduction by the Editor

Introduction

1. Theatre, Life, and Language: Semiotics, Phenomenology, and Deconstruction

2. Subjectivity and Theatre: Psychoanalysis, Gender Theory, and Reader Response Theory

3. The World and Theatre: Materialist, Postmodern, and Postcolonial Theory

Conclusions: And Now, What?

Afterword: Cognitive Theory

Additional Bibliography

Glossary

Bibliography

Index