All the world's a stage--and this all-encompassing history of theatre presents stages throughout the world, placed in their historical and geographical contexts. The key dramatists and their works, major actors, and critical writers take their bows, backed up by memorable quotations and more than 150 illustrations. Go back to the Ancient World, to dance drama, comic and tragic Greek theatre, and Roman entertainments. The wide range of Oriental styles covered include those from India, Southeast Asia, China, and Japan, as well as puppet theatre. Imagine what it would have been like to see plays during the age of Shakespeare, by MoliÈre and the ComÉdie FranÇaise, in the heyday of Italian opera, or by Brecht's company in Germany. Ballet, pantomime, circus, provincial theatre-nothing is forgotten! A Selection of Stage & Screen Book Club.