Applied Drama: The Gift of Theatre - Paperback

by Helen Nicholson (Author)

This core text offers insight into theatre-making that takes place in communities across the world. Offering an overview of the theory that underpins practice in applied drama, this thought-provoking text outlines practices in the context of contemporary political and theoretical concerns. It considers the role of artists who work in challenging settings, including prisons, schools, hostels for the homeless, care homes for the elderly and on the street. In so doing, the book poses critical questions about the aesthetics and ethics of applied theatre. It also invites debate about the environments in which applied theatre takes place.

Back Jacket

Applied Drama offers an insight into theatre-making that takes place in communities across the world. It considers the role of artists who work in challenging settings, including prisons, schools, hostels for the homeless, care homes for the elderly and on the street. In this updated second edition, Helen Nicholson provides vivid new examples of practice, and addresses twenty-first century concerns about the environments in which applied theatre takes place.

Ideal for students and practitioners, this lively study poses critical questions about the aesthetics and ethics of applied theatre. It invites debate about the social role of theatre, and explores how interventionist theatre might maintain its radicalism in an increasingly globalized world.

Author Biography

Helen Nicholson is Professor of Drama and Theatre at Royal Holloway, University of London, UK, where she specialises in applied theatre and contemporary performance. She is co-editor of RiDE: The Journal of Applied Theatre and Performance, and author of numerous books, including Theatre, Education and Performance: The Map and the Story.