"Physical Theatres: A Critical Introduction" is the first account to provide a comprehensive overview of non text-based theatre, from experimental dance to traditional mime. This book synthesizes the history, theory and practice of physical theatres for students and performers, in what is both a core area of study and a dynamic and innovative aspect of theatrical practice. This comprehensive book: traces the roots of physical performance in classical and popular theatrical traditions; looks at the Dance Theatre of DV8, Pina Bausch, Liz Aggiss and Jerome Bel; examines the contemporary practice of companies such as Theatre du Soleil, Complicite and Goat Island; and, focuses on principles and practices in actor training, with reference to figures such as Jacques Lecoq, Lev Dodin, Philippe Gaulier, Monika Pagneux, Etienne Decroux, Anne Bogart and Joan Littlewood. This book can be used as a standalone text, or together with its companion volume, "Physical Theatres: A Critical Reader", to provide an invaluable introduction to the physical in theatre and performance.