The author begins with an illuminating comparison of Barker with Edward Bond, revealing what he perceives as being their almost diametrically opposed concepts about the function of drama. Charles Lamb then looks at Barker against the world of deconstruction and postmodern thought, which leads to the author's unique Theory of Seduction, in which Barker's plays (in particular Judith and the Castle) are considered from an angle derived from Baudrillard's ideas about seduction. Nine of Howard Barker's striking pen and wash drawings are reproduced in The Shape of Darkness, including five in color.
The key study of the British playwright Howard Barker arose from Charles Lamb's realization that current performance theories and production techniques are not appropriate to the plays of Howard Barker.