This collection investigates how documentary evidence, such as inscriptions and archaeological remains, fundamentally shapes our historical understanding of Greek theatre and its surrounding festival culture. Edited by Peter W. F. Wilson, the volume compiles essays from international scholars to bridge the gap between specialized epigraphic research and broader historical inquiry. By prioritizing material evidence over literary tradition, the contributors provide a rigorous framework for analyzing the institutional and social functions of theatrical performance in the ancient world.

Scholars and students of classical antiquity identify this work as a vital resource for understanding the material conditions of ancient performance. Readers frequently note the academic density of the prose, which is tailored for those already familiar with the complexities of epigraphy and archaeological methodology.