Playing Boal: Theatre, Therapy, Activism [Paperback]

Jan Cohen-Cruz (Editor), Mady Schutzman (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0415086086 | ISBN-13: 978-0415086080 | Publication Date: December 22, 1993 | Edition: 1

Playing Boal examines the techniques in application of Augusto Boal, creator of Theatre of the Oppressed, Brazilian theatre maker and political activist.

This text looks at the use of the Theatre of the Oppressed exercises by a variety of practitioners and scholars working in Europe, North America and Canada. It explores the possibilities of these tools for "active learning and personal empowerment; co-operative education and healing; participatory theatre and community action."

This collection is designed to illuminate and invigorate discussion about Augusto Boal's work and the transformative potential of theatre. It includes two interviews with Boal, and two pieces of his own writing.

Editorial Reviews

Review

This marvelous collection of material, assembled and arranged by Jan Cohen-Cruz and Mady Schutzman, truly goes from the entry level--sort of Basic Boal--to extremely interesting practical applications that are very useful. It also addresses with great vigour the broader political and social questions raised by Boal's work. This collection is urgently welcome.
–Douglas L. Paterson, Chair of the Department of Dramatic Arts, University of Nebraska at Omaha

This book is a necessary and timely addition to the study of the range of theatre techniques known as Theatre of the Oppressed and its founder, the Brazilian theatre director and political activist, Augusto Boal. It tries to accommodate both those completely new to Theatre of the Oppressed as well as those engaged in a more detailed professional and/or academic involvement with the work.
–Theatre Research International

This book is a must for anyone concerned about performance in conjunction with politics, activism, therapy, and/or community work--or for anyone interested in the application of theory to performance practice.
–Theatre Insight

About the Author

Mady Schutzman teaches in the Department of Performance Studies at New York University and State University of New York, New Paltz. Jan Cohen-Cruz is Assistant Professor of Drama at New York University.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Routledge; 1 edition (December 22, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0415086086
• ISBN-13: 978-0415086080
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #692,263 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Don't got TOO excited, May 14, 2007

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J. Self "Artist." (All over) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Playing Boal: Theatre, Therapy, Activism (Paperback)

Not the book I had hoped it woud be. Though I do not have my copy infront of me from what I can remember I wasn't too impressed. After delving a little deeper into the book it became clear that I wasn't going to find what I was looking for (clear examples of what Boal does) in my research. This seemed to be one of those books where someone wanted to be published so they "edited" a bunch of articles written by others so everybody gets a book under their belt and everyone wine. Not so fast future book buyer. You don't win. Stick to the books pened by Boal himself. He is actually a wonderfull author, very clear, and you will probibly find answers to all your questions. Start with Boal first. This isn't a bad book! This is just not a great place to start if you are just discovering Boal.