First published in 1991, The Voice in Modern Theatre places voice and speech practice in the theatre in historical and theoretical perspective. It traces the development of vocal delivery from its roots in Greek rhetoric, and explains the wide range of approaches to the voice in the modern day theatre. Taking an international perspective, Jacqueline Martin assesses the influence of key theorists, with their often conflicting ideologies and of specific directors. By focusing on Shakespeare, the whole question of contemporary interpretation of the classics and the treatment of verse is addressed. A final chapter on actor training compares a number of British training institutions with their European counterparts.

This book will interest teachers of voice and speech in training institutions and universities, directors and actors and teachers and students of modern theatre.

Jacqueline Martin (at the time of the original publication of the book) was a Research Fellow in the Institute for Theatre Studies at Stockholm University.