This text investigates the fundamental nature of dramatic writing by positioning plays as blueprints for theatrical performance rather than static literary objects. Milly S. Barranger, a scholar of dramatic literature, utilizes a curated selection of seventeen plays to demonstrate how the written word functions as a 'pre-text' for actors, directors, and designers. The book argues that a comprehensive understanding of drama requires analyzing the interplay between the playwright's script and the physical demands of the stage.

The text is regarded as a foundational resource for students of theater history and dramatic literature, providing a bridge between academic study and practical performance. Its focus on the performative aspects of the script makes it a standard reference for those seeking to understand the mechanics of the stage.