In this introduction to the volume, the editors frame the context and purpose of this collection of essays. Following a brief overview of the literature on populism, they discuss the lack of attention given to the performative and embodied dimensions of populism, as well as the relative inattention paid to the connections between the left and populism. Following a discussion of the way political theorists have hitherto examined the links between performance and populism, the editors argue that these previous attempts can only fulfil their potential by adopting an openly interdisciplinary perspective combining political science and performance studies. After an overview of performance studies’ history, core concepts and insights, they show its relevance to the study of populism. The editors then summarize the arguments of each of the chapters in this volume, and conclude by discussing the questions raised by this volume for the study of populism.