Mark Ravenhill: Theatre books which I refer to frequently when making work; 7. The Field of Drama - Martin Esslin Short and very readable - Esslin lays out the range of ‘signs’ by which an audience ‘reads’ a performance. It’s also a handy check list of all the elements a playwright can use when writing a play.

Theatre books which I refer to frequently when making work; 7. The Field of Drama - Martin Esslin Short and very readable - Esslin lays out the range of ‘signs’ by which an audience ‘reads’ a performance. It’s also a handy check list of all the elements a playwright can use when writing a play.