Essence & Critique: Journal of Literature and Drama Studies aims to focus on issues in literature, drama, theatre and performance studies. It renegotiates the understanding of classical, modern and contemporary aesthetics of literature, drama and theatre by treating literary and dramatic texts from antiquity to the contemporary period.

The peer-reviewed journal publishes essays that engage in close readings of literary genres including novels, stories, and plays, as well as literary and dramatic theories. It also addresses historical, political, formal, theoretical and methodological aspects of literature, drama, theatre and performance studies.

Essence & Critique appears twice a year. Both volumes are general issues based on calls for literary and dramatic studies, inviting individual essays on literature, theatre and drama studies in English. The journal also contains a review section.