This volume investigates the state of contemporary theater across the Americas, examining how regional socio-political climates influence dramatic expression. Edited by Don Rubin, this work compiles extensive research from scholars and practitioners to document the evolution of theatrical traditions, institutional structures, and performance styles within the Western Hemisphere. It serves as a comprehensive reference for understanding the diversity of theatrical practices in the late 20th century.

Scholars and theater historians frequently cite this series as a foundational reference for cross-cultural performance studies. The text is noted for its academic rigor and the breadth of its regional coverage, making it a standard resource for researchers in the performing arts field.