"Theatre Histories: An Introduction" is a bold and innovative way of looking both at the way we understand performance and the ways in which history is written. Its chapters offer clearly written overviews of theatre and drama in many world cultures and periods. These and its unique in-depth case studies demonstrate the methods used by today's theatre historians. Using a new narrative strategy that challenges the standard format of one-volume theatre history texts, the authors help the reader think critically about performance in all its global diversity. "Theatre Histories" explores aesthetic and interpretive approaches from many cultures, continents and time periods. The authors explore kabuki and kathakali with as much range and depth as Shakespeare, vaudeville and realism. "Theatre Histories: An Introduction" is organized to provide: an understanding of how key shifts in human communication shaped developments in the history of theatre and performance throughout the world; an introduction to the methodologies employed by today's theatre historians; in-depth case studies demonstrating "history at work"; and a truly global perspective on drama, theatre, and performance. Keeping performance, drama, and culture at centre stage, "Theatre Histories: An Introduction" is compatible with standard play anthologies, and offers many pedagogical resources including a website with additional references, discussion questions, and links to related sites.