Otakar Zich’s Aesthetics of the Dramatic Art. Theoretical Dramaturgy (1931) laid the foundation of systematic modern theatre theory and helped establish theatre studies as an academic discipline. With an introduction, a contextual afterword and a glossary, this volume is the first complete translation into any language. Alongside Theatre Theory Reader. Prague School Writings (2016), it provides a thorough insight into Czech theatre thinking and a theory of theatre as a time-based art, perceived in the moment by an audience. Covering spoken drama and opera, Zich uniquely analyses the individual creative works that participate in making theatre.