How did the concept of the avant-garde come into existence? How did it stimulate developments in the performing arts? Written in a clear, engaging style, and supported by text boxes throughout, this volume presents some of the general characteristics of postwar avant-garde performance and gives detailed coverage to some of the most influential artists. Berghaus also explores hot topics such as multimedia and body art performances, making this text ideal for students of theater studies and performance.

Günter Berghaus is Reader in Theatre History and Performance Studies at the University of Bristol. He has published widely in the areas of Renaissance and Baroque theatre, popular theatre, dance history, Modernist theatre, and avant-garde performance. As a theatre practitioner he has directed numerous plays from the classical and modern repertoire and devised many productions of an experimental nature.