The Theory of the Theatre, and Other Principles of Dramatic Criticism

"The Theory of the Theatre, and Other Principles of Dramatic Criticism" by Clayton Meeker Hamilton is an insightful exploration into the world of theatre and dramatic analysis from the early 1900s. The book kicks off by defining a play as a story designed to be performed, setting it apart from simple literature. From there, it explores how plays work, including the audience's role and how actors and playwrights work together. Hamilton looks at how stage design and acting mix to create a visual story that grabs the audience and looks at the audience's role in the overall dramatic piece impacting perception of a dramatic. It is a look into the inner works of theatre asking readers to think differently about plays and how to appreciate them.