The Continuum Companion to Twentieth Century Theatre

Editor: Colin Chambers

Publisher: Continuum

Edition & Year: First Edition, 2002

Binding: Paperback

Pages: 850

Size: 7.5 in × 10 in

The Continuum Companion to Twentieth Century Theatre is a monumental and scholarly reference work that provides a comprehensive overview of theatre across the 20th century. Edited by Colin Chambers, a respected theatre historian and critic, and published in 2002 by Continuum, this 850-page large-format paperback is designed as an essential guide to one of the most dynamic periods in the history of performing arts.

The book brings together contributions from leading scholars and experts, offering a multi-dimensional perspective on global theatre. It covers a wide range of topics, including major playwrights, influential directors, theatrical movements, performance styles, and cultural contexts that shaped modern drama.

A key strength of this volume is its encyclopedic scope. It includes detailed entries on significant figures such as Bertolt Brecht, Samuel Beckett, Tennessee Williams, Arthur Miller, and Harold Pinter, along with discussions of movements like modernism, realism, absurdism, and postmodern theatre. The book also explores developments in non-Western theatre, reflecting the increasingly global nature of performance in the 20th century.

Beyond individual figures and movements, the companion examines broader themes such as political theatre, experimental performance, stage design, and the relationship between theatre and society. It highlights how theatre responded to major historical events, including wars, social revolutions, and cultural shifts, making it both a literary and historical resource.

The writing is scholarly yet accessible, making the book suitable for students, academics, theatre practitioners, and serious readers. Its structured format allows for both quick reference and in-depth study, making it ideal for research and academic use.

The large-format paperback (7.5 × 10 inches) enhances readability and accommodates its extensive content, while the durable binding supports frequent use. Its substantial length and depth make it one of the most comprehensive single-volume references on 20th-century theatre.

The Continuum Companion to Twentieth Century Theatre stands as an indispensable resource for understanding the evolution of modern theatre, offering both detailed information and critical insight into the art form’s development across cultures and decades.

• Editor: Colin Chambers – respected theatre historian
• Publisher: Continuum, First Edition (2002)
• Format: Paperback, 850 pages
• Size: 7.5 × 10 inches – large academic reference format
• Scope: Comprehensive coverage of 20th-century global theatre
• Content: Playwrights, directors, movements, performance theory
• Figures Covered: Brecht, Beckett, Pinter, Arthur Miller, Tennessee Williams
• Themes: Modernism, absurdism, political theatre, experimental performance
• Academic Value: Essential reference for theatre studies
• Collector Appeal: Major scholarly volume with long-term research value

🔹 Collector’s Note

This 2002 first-edition paperback of The Continuum Companion to Twentieth Century Theatre is a substantial and authoritative academic resource. Its depth, scope, and scholarly contributions make it a highly valuable addition for collectors of theatre studies, performing arts literature, and reference works.