Beginning with Aristotle and the Greeks and ending with the most recent work in semiotics and poststructuralism, Theories of the Theatre is the first detailed and comprehensive survey of Western dramatic theory.

Carlson draws on cultural, intellectual, and political history as well as aesthetics to delineate the evolution of dramatic theory. He explores theories not only of genre and dramatic construction, but also of production and performance, including acting, directing, design, and reception. Carlson asserts that certain central issues recur in the works of all the major theorists: the relation of theatre to society as a whole, the relation of theatre to questions of value, and the ways in which theatre imitates life.

Ambitious in its aims and striking in its achievements, Theories of the Theatre will be an invaluable reference work for students of the theatre, scholars in theatre programs, theatre professionals, scholars and students of literary theory, and others interested in drama.