This text investigates the historical evolution of theatrical performance and production from its earliest origins through the end of the twentieth century. Oscar Gross Brockett, a distinguished scholar in the field of drama, utilizes extensive archival research and historical analysis to construct a comprehensive framework for understanding how theatrical practices have shifted across different cultures and eras. The work prioritizes the development of the European tradition while providing significant contextual analysis of African theatrical history.

This volume is widely regarded as a foundational academic resource for students and scholars of theater history due to its rigorous documentation and broad scope. The text provides a dense, authoritative overview that serves as a standard reference point for understanding the trajectory of global dramatic arts.