Various approaches that teachers can use to help students interpret contemporary plays are presented in this discussion of teaching drama. Plays discussed include two from the Theater of Illusion ("Look Back in Anger,""A Raisin in the Sun"), two from the Theater of the Absurd ("Rhonoceros,""Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead"), and two from Epic Theater ("Becket" and "Sergeant Musgrave's Dance"). Other plays that may be read for discussion in conjunction with those above are listed, and the availability of filmed versions is noted. (LH)