Theatre/Theory: An Introduction Second Edition, Vol. 1 Book

The brief and accessible summaries of current theoretical approaches and the writings of their most influential proponents were the strongest parts of this book. Even aside from the book's theatrical focus, those summaries make it a useful resource. As for the applications of those theories to theater, I like that Fortier is pushing for the reexamination of language-based theories in order to offer something to performance/drama/theater, but some of the case studies worked for me, others seemed forced. (Caveat: I read the first edition, and Fortier substantially expanded his work in the second edition, so my complaints may no longer be relevant). I was impressed by the diversity of the 20th and 21st century drama included in this book, but I do think it's problematic to have Shakepeare as the only pre-20th century playwright discussed at any length. (Again, the revised edition may be more historically diverse).