ABSTRACT
Most guides to theatre architecture take the reader back to the Greeks or even to the forest clearing, if the author seeks to suggest that theatre in the round is the most ‘natural’ of theatre forms. But if we are to understand the continuing evolution of western theatre, then not only is there no need to go back beyond the theatre of Shakespeare, but to start with ancient theatre may be confusing for all but the specialist. Of course, the ancient theatre, the medieval theatre and the oriental theatre are relevant, but these forms of theatre did not shape our theatre directly. Rather have theatre people in the last couple of hundred years become enthusiastic for the introduction of this foreign style or for the revival of that past practice. Often the motives and prejudices of those who advocate foreign or archaic forms of theatre are of greater interest than the forms themselves.
