The most definitive, comprehensive study of the origins, development, achievements and ultimate destruction of the performing arts in Germany from World War I through the rise of Hitler, "The Theatre of the Weimar Republic" is an invaluable record of creativity born out of conflict. John Willett focuses on the intellec-tual and sociocultural factors that brought Weimar theatre to its peak and analyses the theatrical theories and movements of the era. In addition, he includes a unique section of appen-dices, spanning 1916 to 1945, supple-menting the text and providing detailed information on theatres, actors, perfor-mances, films, and radio and gramo-phone recordings. The theatre during this period was marked by bold, innovative playwright-ing and directing as well as by impor-tant advances in theatrical architecture, lighting, and stage design. Renowned talents such as Brecht, Piscator, Toller, and Weill were nurtured, and influen-tial movements and credos -- including Expressionism, agitprop, and Bauhaus theatre projects -- developed. A rigorous, fascinating assessment of the world-wide influences of Weimar theatre during its lifetime and in later years, the book will appeal to all readers interested in the art and politics of this turbulent period.