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As soon as one human being stands up before others and pretends to be something or someone else, both acting and theatre are created. However, one of the most distinctive features of theatre is the wide variety of people usually involved in its creation. Even though the playwright often works alone, when his or her play is converted into theatre, an entire group of other contributors is required. ‘The makers of theatre’ examines the role of the other contributors—actors, puppets, designers, directors, and the audience—and considers what they bring or have brought to the theatre in different eras of history and different parts of the world. ...Less

‘Theatre and drama’ considers the source and status of the material performed on stage, whether it originates as a written text or not. Improvisation is seen in many cultures and is recorded in China and the Middle East centuries before any written dramatic texts are found. Community theatre based on improvisation and audience participation remains popular in the non-Western world where oral traditions are strong. The wider publication of dramatic texts from the 17th century and the strict regulation of their performance played a significant role in Western theatre development. Drama and theatre, as studied at university, and the impact of postdramatic theatre, as described by Hans‐Thies Lehmann, are also discussed. ...Less