This text investigates the foundational concepts, historical development, and methodological frameworks that define the academic discipline of theatre and performance studies. The authors, led by renowned scholar Erika Fischer-Lichte, synthesize decades of research to provide a comprehensive overview of how performance is analyzed, historicized, and theorized within contemporary academia. By examining the intersection of cultural studies and artistic practice, the book establishes a rigorous framework for students and researchers to navigate the complexities of the field.

Experts recognize this volume as a foundational text for students entering the field of performance studies. Readers frequently note the academic density of the prose, which serves as a comprehensive guide to the primary theories and critical debates currently shaping the discipline.