The central paradox of modern theatre is that its driving force is primitivism, an idealization of the elemental and a search for ritual in archaic traditions. Christopher Innes, a scholar of theatre, examines this phenomenon by tracing the development of avant-garde theatre from the 1890s to the early 1990s. He analyzes key figures such as Strindberg, Artaud, Brook, and Mnouchkine, arguing that their pursuit of primitivism is fundamental to understanding both the political and aesthetic dimensions of modern drama. The revised and updated edition incorporates recent theoretical advancements and new sections on influential practitioners like Heiner Muller and Robert Wilson, offering comprehensive coverage of major avant-garde figures in Europe and North America.

This revised edition of Christopher Innes's work is presented as essential reading for understanding contemporary drama, building upon the original 1981 publication. The updated content, including new sections on major practitioners and recent theoretical developments, aims to provide a comprehensive and insightful analysis of avant-garde theatre. The book's focus on primitivism as a core element of theatrical experimentation offers a unique lens through which to view both historical and contemporary dramatic trends.