Through specific examples, case studies and essays by specialist writers, academics, and a new generation of theatre researchers, this collection of specially commissioned essays looks at current theatre practices across Europe. From Théatre du Soleil to Socìetas Raffaello Sanzio, the authors reconsider the possibilities of theatre practice, its relation to history and location and its place in Europe at the turn of the twenty-first century. Contemporary Theatres in Europe examines a wide range of topics including: mainstream European theatre experimental performance music theatre theatre for children dance theatre. Tailor-made for students, offering clear examples of different ways of thinking and writing about performance, this is a richly detailed introduction which brings key themes to life for all students of European theatre.