World Theatre (the Basics)

World Theatre: The Basics presents a well-rounded introduction to non-Western theatre, exploring the history and current practice of theatrical traditions in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Oceania, the Caribbean, and the non-English-speaking cultures of the Americas.

World Theatre: The Basics presents a well-rounded introduction to non-Western theatre, exploring the history and current practice of theatrical traditions in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Oceania, the Caribbean, and the non-English-speaking cultures of the Americas.

This new edition includes new examples from across the world and new discussions on cultural appropriation and appreciation, marginalized voices within countries across the world within the context of theatre, and the impact of war on theatre. This book enables the reader to understand the key issues surrounding world theatre scholarship and global, postcolonial, and transnational performance practices. Organized by region, the text encourages students to explore the complex cultural dynamics of a wide range of theatrical traditions.Case studies for each region are used to give students an overview of movements, practices, artists, and texts which are overlooked in Eurocentric introductions to theatre.

An essential read for anyone seeking to learn more about world theatre, World Theatre: The Basics provides a clear, accessible roadmap for approaching non-Western theatre.

Preface and acknowledgments

Introduction: what is world theatre?

1 The Middle East

2 South and Southeast Asia

3 East Asia

4 Oceania

5 Sub-Saharan Africa

6 The Caribbean islands

7 The Americas

8 Collaborations and Challenges

Conclusion: the undiscovered country

Glossary

E. J. Westlake is Professor and Chair of the Department of Theatre, Film, and Media Arts at The Ohio State University, United States, and is a faculty affiliate of the Center for Latin American Studies. She is a former editor of Theatre Journal.