Table of Contents

1. Introduction Part I: A Historical Background 2. The Cultural Setting 3. The Development of Theatre Genres 4. Traditions of Theatre Part II: Theatre as Art 5. Drama 6. Music and Dance 7. Production 8. Transmission of Theatre Art Part III: Theatre as an Institution 9. Extent and Distribution 10. Theatre and the Social Contract 11. The Troupe 12. Economics 13. The Audience 14. Social Status of Troupes Part IV: Theatre as Communication 15. Past and Present 16. Theatre and Other Mass Media 17. Theatre and the Communication Process Appendix: Major Theatre Genres as Performed in 1964 Bibiliography Notes Glossary Index

Reviews

A masterpiece of knowledge. * The Village Voice *
A compendium of information and a valuable contribution of its kind... [A]n excellent text for Asian background courses and it goes without saying that for theatre students it is an essential source of reference. Even those Olympians, the sociologists, will find grist for their mills... [I]t is one of those works we can expect to find quoted and requoted. * Modern Language Journal *
A most welcome and long awaited first survey... [A]n immensely entertaining and readable style. * Choice *