Rustom Bharucha investigates the ethical and political implications of intercultural theatre by challenging the dominance of Western perspectives in the interpretation of non-Western performance traditions. Bharucha, a scholar of Indian theatre, utilizes his background in performance studies to critique how Western directors and critics have historically appropriated and mythologized Indian theatrical practices. He argues for a more equitable model of cultural exchange that moves beyond superficial pluralism toward a deeper, more authentic engagement with local contexts. The book serves as a foundational critique of the power dynamics inherent in global theatrical collaboration.

Scholars and theatre practitioners frequently cite this work as a seminal text for understanding the politics of cross-cultural performance. Experts note the dense, polemical nature of the prose, which challenges readers to reconsider the ethics of global artistic exchange.