Devising Theatre: A Practical and Theoretical Handbook / Edition 1

by Alison Oddey

Overview

Devising Theatre is a practical handbook that combines a critical analysis of contemporary devised theatre practice with descriptions of selected companies, and suggestions for any group devising theatre from scratch. It is the first book to propose a general theory of devised theatre.
After identifying the unique nature of this type of performance, the author examines how devised theatre is perceived by professional practitioners, and provides an historical overview illustrating how it has evolved since the 1960s. Alison Oddey examines the particular working practices and products of a number of professional companies, including a Reminiscence theatre for the elderly and a theatre-in-education group, and offers ideas and exercises for exploration and experimentation.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780415049009
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	10/10/1996
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	272
Product dimensions:	5.44(w) x 8.50(h) x (d)

About the Author

Alison Oddey is a lecturer in Drama and Theatre Studies at the University of Kent. Since 1977 she has devised theatre with young people, teachers in training and students as well as with professional actors. She has published articles in theatre journals and taught a series of practical workshops on devising theatre at the Universities of Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Antwerp.

Table of Contents

List of illustrations. Preface. 1. An Introduction to Devised Theatre 2. Beginnings: How and where to start 3. Process: Ways and means of making theatre 4. From Process to Product: Relationship and practice 5. From Process to Product: The participatory theatre-in-education programme 6 .Space: Site-specific theatre 7. Theory and Practice 8. Learning to Devise: Practical ideas and suggestions Appendices. Notes. Bibliography. Index

Editorial Reviews

'This book should certainly act as an intellectual and practical stimulus to persons involved in experimental theatre or to teaches of drama in general.' - Reference Reviews

'Devising Theatre provides an excellent insight into a particular way of making theatre and will be of interest both to those who wish to devise theatre and those who simply want to find out how some of the most exciting theatre in Britain over the past twenty years has been created.' - Theatre Scotland

From the Publisher