Ronald J. Pelias is concerned with writing about performance, from the everyday performative routines to the texts on stage. He seeks to write performatively, to offer poetic or aesthetic renderings of performance events in order to capture some sense of their nature. In his quest for the spirit of theatrical performances in a collection of essays, Pelias, of course, asks more of the written word than the word can deliver. Yet the attempt is both desirable - and necessary.

To discuss performance without some accounting for its essence as art, he asserts, is at best misleading, at worst, fraud.

"On Writing and Performing" examines the written script and performance practices. It contains a description of a struggle between a writer and a performer as they protect their own interests; on intimate look at an apprehensive performer; a short play entitled "The Audition," which deals with what it means to be an actor; a chronicle of performance process from the perspective of an actor; and a brief essay on the nature of performance.

"Being a Witness" examines performance from the perspective of the audience and the director. It includes essays on the experience of being an audience member; viewing theatre in the context of New York City; directing and being directed by actors' bodies; watching The DEF Comedy Jam; and, in the form of an interview, some final reflections about working with performance for many years.