Physical Theatres: A Critical Introduction is the first account to provide a comprehensive overview of non-text-based theatre, from experimental dance to traditional mime. This book synthesises the history, theory and practice of physical theatres for students and performers, in what is both a core area of study and a dynamic and innovative aspect of theatrical practice. Insisting that there are many physical theatres and arguing for the essential physicality of all theatrical forms, this book not only examines the acknowledged luminaries of physical theatre, but forges a new lens through which the physical and visual practices of the twentieth century's most exciting dramatists and theatre makers can be viewed. This comprehensive book: traces the roots of physical performance in classical and popular theatrical traditions looks at the Dance Theatre of DV8, Pina Bausch, Liz Aggiss and Jyrme Bel examines the contemporary practice of companies such as Thyotre du Soleil, Complicity and Goat Island focuses on principles and practices in actor training, with reference to figures such as Jacques Lecoq, Lev Dodin, Philippe Gaulier, Monika Pagneux, Etienne Decroux, Anne Bogart and Joan Littlewood. This book can be used as a stand-alone text, or together with its companion volume, Physical Theatre: A Critical Reader , to provide an invaluable introduction to the physical in theatre and performance.   .