Focusing on the contemporary theatre in Southeast Asia, this journal issue sheds light on the intercultural relationships that exist between that part of the world and the Western world. In addition to a transcript of a Balinese "topeng" (storytelling) performance, the journal contains eight articles that provide information on the following topics: the construction of reality and unreality in Japanese theatre, visitation and illusion in the Mask Theatre of Abli, becoming a clown in Bali, the life in art of a Balinese shadow puppeteer, Teatr Loh in Indonesia in 1977-78, the Seraikella Chhau theatre in India, spirit cult festivals in South Kanara, the Teyyam Kettu (ritual performances) of Northern Kerala, and Kalarippayatt (the martial art of Kerala). (FL)