Metatheater, or “theatre within theatreâ€, is a critical approach often used in studies of Shakespearian or modern drama. Breaking new ground in the study of ancient Greek tragedy, Mark Ringer applies the concept of metatheatricality to the work of Sophocles. His analysis sheds light on Sophocles' technical ingenuity and reveals previously unrecognised facets of fifth-century performative irony.