This Element proposes a novel way of defining, understanding, and approaching theatricality. It argues that four foundational, material processes of theatre-making manifest themselves in all playtexts in both overt and covert forms. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.

An Introduction to Theatricality; 1. Actors play roles; 2. Actors speak the words of others; 3. Actors are given instructions by others; 4. Actors perform to live audiences; 5. Conclusion; References.