The most significant development in the theatre during the twentieth century was the broadening of its social basis. Radical changes in theatre architecture and theatre audiences, in the subject matter and style of the plays presented, were brought about in the cause of extending the theatre to the people. The idea of a theatre for the people was expressed in different forms and for different motives, but a common starting point had been the desire to extend a renewed and vital theatre to all classes of society, especially the workers.

First published in 1978, People's Theatre brings together all the important individuals and groups in the people's theatre within the space of a single, broad introductory study. This makes it possible to see how each contribution to building up a people's theatre, from whatever ideological, religious or political motives, and in whatever circumstances, has served to reinforce certain trends and strategies, to introduce new possibilities or to rediscover forgotten techniques.