A balanced and authoritative account of the theatrical history of all three Scandinavian countries.This study of the history and development of theatre in Scandinavia examines dominant styles and trends in various periods, from the earliest performances in the Middle Ages to the provocative productions and experiments of the present day. This is the only work of its kind in English and provides a balanced and authoritative account of the theatrical history of all three Scandinavian countries. It is generously illustrated and comprehensively documented, with an extensive bibliography.This study of the history and development of theatre in Scandinavia examines dominant styles and trends in various periods, from the earliest performances in the Middle Ages to the provocative productions and experiments of the present day. This is the only work of its kind in English and provides a balanced and authoritative account of the theatrical history of all three Scandinavian countries. It is generously illustrated and comprehensively documented, with an extensive bibliography.This study of the history and development of theater in Scandinavia examines dominant styles and trends in various periods, from the earliest performances in the Middle Ages to the provocative productions and experiments of the present day. This is the only work of its kind in English and provides a balanced and authoritative account of the theatrical history of all three Scandinavian countries. It is generously illustrated and comprehensively documented, with an extensive bibliography.List of illustrations; Preface; Part I. From the Middle Ages to a Golden Age: 1. Early stages; 2. Theatre at court; 3. Playhouses of the eighteenth century; 4. The Gustavian age; 5. The romantic theatre and its aftermath; Part II. Pioneers of Modern and Postmodern Theatre: 6. Ibsen's Norway; 7. Naturalism and the director; 8. The Strindberg challenge; 9. The modernist revolt; 10. Tradition and experiment since 1945; 11. TlC