From prehistory to the present day, theater has been an important art form worldwide. From puppetry and mimes to street theater, this complex art has incorporated all other forms of art, such as dance, literature, music, painting, sculpture, and architecture. Every aspect of human activity and culture can be included in the creation of theater.

In this Very Short Introduction, Marvin Carlson takes us from Ancient Greece and Rome to Medieval Japan and Europe, the Americas, and beyond, highlighting the various ways in which forms of theater have been interpreted and enjoyed. Exploring the role played by theater artists — from the actor and director to the designer and puppeteer — as well as the audience, this is an engaging exploration of what theater meant and means to people of all ages across all eras.

ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the ideal way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make challenging topics highly readable.

Pages: 160, Dimensions: 11.4x11.4cm