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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. '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

Devising Theatre: A Practical and Theoretical Handbook

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