Popular Theatre in Political Culture

The fragmentation of social groups in the face of the global mass media has begun to threaten the survival of popular theatre companies. This study traces the development of various types of community theatre in Britain and Canada, from the ’70s to the present day.
Attention is drawn to several key issues including: distinctions between popular and mainstream theatre; the Theatre in Education movement; influence of Theatre for Development from Africa and Asia; popular theatre as an art form, a process of self-empowerment and an instrument of cultural intervention. The book follows an innovative structure, integrating a comparative history of popular theatre with the contributions of current, active popular theatre makers. The co-authors, one British, one Canadian, shape their discourses around these contributions so that the the authentic voices are neither mediated nor distorted. The book is thus designed to appeal both to the theatrical practitioner and to the academic.

Preface
The Lawnmower
 
1 Defining Popular Theatre
What is It?
Where has it Come From?
The South will Rise Again
Defining the Territory
A Conversation with Two Practitioners – Darrel Wildcat and Jane HeatherWays of Looking at Popular Theatre
Risking Friendship in a Play about Land MinesJulie Salverson
 
2 Intentions
Agents of Change
Schools of Thought about Community Work
Methodologies and Involvement Strategies
Some Thoughts about Techniques