This work gives an "inside" view of Chinese theater and the actor in performance for the first time. It challenges Western theater artists such as Brecht, Grotowski, Barba and Schechner, who have extracted from Chinese theater elements that might enrich their own theaters. It is based on personal observations of and dialogue with Chinese actors, experiences that were impossible before 1980. Riley's study is well illustrated with photographs and diagrams and is accessible to anyone interested in theater, even those with no knowledge of Chinese or Chinese theater.