The Art of Theater

"Hamilton's clarity of style and focused argument make his study an engaging change from the predominance of continental thought in many texts on contemporary theatre and performance. ... The Art of Theater returns us to basic questions where they seem most certain: like any good work of philosophy, it shows how the apparently obvious came to be the case." (Theatre Research International, March 2009)

"Hamilton's book has many merits. He has written a timely book that would repay close study by any philosopher interested in performance in general and theater in particular." (The Journal of Aesthetics and Art Criticism)

“Hamilton presents a bold new thesis in his first book: theatrical performances are an independent form of art. Hamilton presents meticulous arguments both for the independence of performance as an art form and its status as art. This is a compelling book. Recommended.” (CHOICE)