In this article, the author considers Hamilton's idea of "basic understanding" of a theatrical performance. The author finds it hard to grasp this conception. He worries, although perhaps only on the basis of misunderstanding, that Hamilton's conception of the basic understanding of theatrical performances will not do the work he wants it to do as the basis for identifying performances. Indeed, he fears that Hamilton's account of basic understanding is also too narrow just because it denies any role for large-scale theatrical structures when it comes to basic theater comprehension. Sometimes, as the author has shown, large-scale structures contribute to one's basic understanding of theatrical performances. (Contains 8 notes.)