Aristotle, the ancient Greek philosopher, is considered the father of modern drama criticism due to his influential work 'Poetics', which laid the foundation for analyzing and evaluating dramatic works.

Kenneth Tynan, a British drama critic, was renowned for his sharp and witty reviews. His incisive writing style and controversial opinions earned him the nickname 'The Prince of Critics'.

Brooks Atkinson was a prominent drama critic for The New York Times for over three decades. His reviews were highly respected and influential in shaping the American theatre landscape.

T.S. Eliot, the renowned poet and critic, was a key figure in the 'New Criticism' movement. His critical essays focused on close textual analysis and interpretation, influencing generations of literary scholars.

Robert Brustein, an American theatre critic and director, is renowned for his controversial and provocative reviews. He often challenged traditional theatrical conventions and pushed boundaries in his critical assessments.

Antonin Artaud, a French playwright, actor, and theorist, is known for his concept of the 'Theatre of Cruelty'. He advocated for a visceral and emotionally intense theatrical experience that challenged conventional notions of theatre.

Eric Bentley was a prominent American drama critic and scholar. His rigorous and insightful analyses of plays, particularly those of Bertolt Brecht, made him one of the most influential critics of the 20th century.

Roland Barthes, a French literary theorist and critic, is renowned for his work on the semiotics of theatre. His analysis of signs and meaning in theatrical performances has significantly influenced contemporary theatre scholarship.

Walter Benjamin, a German philosopher and cultural critic, is known for his 'Brechtian' approach to drama criticism. He emphasized the social and political dimensions of theatrical works, influenced by the work of Bertolt Brecht.

Richard Wagner, the German composer and music theorist, is associated with the concept of 'total theatre'. He advocated for the integration of music, drama, and visual elements to create a comprehensive and immersive theatrical experience.

Martin Esslin, a British theatre critic and scholar, is known for his work on the 'Theatre of the Absurd'. His book 'The Theatre of the Absurd' explored the existentialist themes and the meaninglessness of life in modern theatre.

Jacques Derrida, a French philosopher and literary critic, is known for his 'deconstructionist' approach to theatre criticism. He challenged traditional notions of meaning and interpretation, arguing that texts are open to multiple and often contradictory interpretations.

Michael Billington is a British drama critic and writer. He is considered one of the most influential drama critics of the 21st century, known for his insightful analyses of contemporary theatre and performance.

Peter Brook, a British theatre director and critic, is known for his advocacy of 'intercultural theatre'. He emphasized the importance of cultural exchange and diversity in theatrical productions, collaborating with artists from different cultural backgrounds.

Hans-Thies Lehmann, a German theatre scholar and critic, is associated with the 'postdramatic theatre' movement. He challenged traditional notions of drama and explored new forms of theatrical expression, focusing on the performative and sensory aspects of theatre.