The Twentieth Century Performance Reader

Book excerpt: The Twentieth-Century Performance Reader provides a pioneering introduction to all types of performance (dance, drama, music, theatre and live art) through the writings of forty-two practitioners, critics and theorists which together reaffirm performance as a discipline in its own terms. Organised alphabetically, rather than chronologically or according to art form, this reader invited cross-disciplinary comparisons. Each piece is fully supplemented by a contextual summary, detailed cross-references and suggestions for further reading. The editors' introductory essay provides an invaluable analysis of the field, and the definitive bibliography offers an essential reference source. The reader, which makes it possible to compare major writings on all types of performance in one volume, will be an essential sourcebook for researchers, practitioners and students. It will also be of interest to anyone who enjoys innovative live performance.