Review by Choice Review
The four authors of this sweeping collection--Bruce McConachie, Gary Jay Williams, Carol Fisher Sorgenfrei in addition to Zarrilli--are all noted scholars of various aspects of theater history, and together they bring an impressive variety of perspectives to this volume. The book's innovative features include case studies of specific plays, productions, and cultural phenomena and helpful "interpretive approach" sidebars that elucidate various critical theories (each of which is demonstrated in a case study). In addition, the book has a companion Web site, which provides links to cited video and text resources. The volume's title is appropriate for a book that presents postmodern global views that encompass everything from traditional Western theater forms to performance activities that seem closer to cultural anthropology than theater. The subtitle, however, is questionable. This is hardly "an introduction" because the necessarily disjointed main text will be best appreciated by those who already have a foundational understanding of "old-fashioned" linear theater history. And in their zeal to avoid cultural imperialism and to espouse a postmodern attribution of equal value to all theater-related endeavors, the authors tend to overcompensate with implicit devaluing of Anglo-American theater and social history. Excellent illustrations, extensive bibliographies, and a glossary enhance the book. Summing Up: Recommended. Graduate students and researchers. F. H. Londre University of Missouri-Kansas City
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
