"Backwards and Forwards" by David Ball is an essential guide for understanding and analyzing dramatic texts. This book offers a practical and systematic approach to reading and interpreting plays, focusing on the concepts of "given circumstances" and "event progression." Through clear explanations and illustrative examples, Ball's methodology equips readers with the tools to unravel the structure, character motivations, and underlying dynamics that shape a play's narrative, making it an indispensable resource for actors, directors, students of drama, and anyone interested in unraveling the intricacies of theatrical storytelling.