Includes index. A comprehensive reference book, never before attempted, which covers theatre in Australia in all its forms since 1788. Some 1300 entries, alphabetically organised and ranging in length from 200 to 7000 words, cover Australian and visiting personalities who have influenced Australian cultural history; genres from melodrama and the classics to pantomime, musical theatre, circus and performance art. Longer entries include historical accounts of colonial theatre, industrial relations, touring conditions, acting style, management dramatic criticism, set design, theatre buildings, government subsidy, regional and amateur theatre, training and technology. Aboriginal theatre influence, immigrants, and the traditions of European, Asian and American theatre in Australia have also been examined. Some 200 writers have contributed to the work, ranging from academics to private researchers and theatre practitioners. (Publisher.)