The Problem of Theatrical Autonomy: Analysing Theatre as a Social Practice

As any devoted theatregoer will attest, watching a performance is a unique experience, as the social setting, rules, and standards of theatre often combine to create a feeling of liberation from the everyday world. This book explores the phenomenon of theatre as simultaneously distinct from and yet connected to society as a whole. Combining theoretical reflections with materials from European case studies, the authors offer intriguing new methods for the sociological study of theatre while contributing equally to theatre and performance studies.

Joshua Edelman worked as a research fellow at the Royal Central School of Speech & Drama, University of London.
Louise Ejgod Hansen holds a research position at the theatre section of Aarhus University.
Quirijn Lennert van den Hoogen is university lecturer of arts sociology and arts policy at the University of Groningen.