_The Theatre of Christopher Durang_ considers the works of one of the foremost comedic writers for the American stage. From Durang's early success with the controversial _Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All for You_ (1974) to his recent Tony Award-winning play, _Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike _(2012), he has been an original theatrical voice in American theatre. Edith Oliver, long-time theatre critic for _The New Yorker_, described Durang as “one of the funniest men in the world.” Durang challenges traditional dramatic idioms with his irreverent comedies that are as shocking as they are prescient and compassionate_. _ _ _This volume provides the first comprehensive examination of Durang's works and incorporates comedic theory to examine how laughter in performance subverts social conventions and hierarchies. Through a clear, detailed discussion of the plays, Miriam Chirico considers Durang's use of black comedy, satire, and parody to explode such topics as: western literature, religion, dysfunctional families, and American social malaise. Robert Combs and Jay Malarcher provide additional critical perspectives about Durang's works, detailing his use of alienation techniques and locating his place within the American parodic tradition. The book also includes a warm introduction by Durang's former student, Pulitzer Prize-winner, David Lindsay-Abaire. _ The Theatre of Christopher Durang_, in demonstrating how Durang has shaped contemporary theatrical possibilities, offers a valuable guide for students of American drama and comedy.