This volume charts a period of political and social turbulence in Europe and its reflection on theatrical life. Apart from considering external factors like censorship and legal sanctions on theatrical activity, the volume examines the effects of prevailing operational conditions on the internal organization of companies, their repertoire, acting, stage presentation, playhouse architecture and the audience relationship. Many of the 460 documents are illustrated and drawn from sources in Britain, France and Italy. They have been annotated, and translated where appropriate.