While there are a number of books on specific aspects of European theatre during this period, this book goes further by relating theatre history to the development of the European Community as a whole.

The volume covers 1957-1973, 1973-1986 and 1986-1995. The first two parts pay particular attention to those aspects of theatre that sought to shape, define, challenge o celebrate the ideals of a united Europe. The third part considers the implications for theatre of events before and after the fall of the Berlin Wall.