Introduction: toward an understanding of realism in American theatre -- ch. 1. Antecedents and theoretical roots of dramatic realism -- ch. 2. David Rabe's assault on rationalism and naturalism -- ch. 3. David Mamet's dis-integrating drama -- ch. 4. Sam Shepard's realistic drama -- ch. 5. New voices using new realism: Fuller, Henley, and Norman ; Charles Fuller and A soldier's play ; Beth Henley and Crimes of the heart ; Marsha Norman and 'night, Mother ; A final word -- Conclusion: toward re-establishing a popular theatre.
