First published in 1938 The Theatre & Its Double" is a collection of essays detailing Antonin Artauds radical theories on drama which he saw as being stifled by conservatism & lack of experimentation. It contains the famous manifestos of the Theatre of Cruelty analyses the underlying impulses of performance provides some suggestions on a physical training method for actors & actresses & features a long appreciation of the expressive values of Eastern dance drama. Also included is Seraphims Theatre in which Artaud attempts an actors application of the Taoist principles of fullness & emptiness. This groundbreaking text is widely read throughout the world for the beauty of its style & as a source of inspiration for new drama & will appeal to those in search of the essence of theatre."