Contents: Preface. Editor's note. 1. From ritual to theatre. 2. Sanskrit theatre - visual poetry. 3. Devotional theatres: i. Ankianat. ii. The Rama play. iii. The Krishna play. 4. Regional theatres: i. Bhavai. ii. Indian puppet theatre. iii. Jatra. iv. Kathakali. v. Koodiyattam. vi. Nautanki. vii. Sumang Leela. viii. Tamasha. ix. Terukuttu. x. Yakshagana.

"Varied forms of living traditional theatres constitute the most important part of India's living heritage. The present book is an attempt to present the most vibrant forms of traditional theatres from different parts and languages of India, past and present. There is special emphasis on the kinship of popular theatres with rituals and medieval Indian devotional movements. Some of the forms it speaks about are being introduced for the first time in English. Written by a well-known contemporary playwright, this comprehensive book gives a fascinating account of one of the most colourful and living theatre traditions of the world." (jacket)