This book presents case studies from UK artists and organisations working in social and community contexts, focusing on their aesthetic and political ambitions rather than the ‘healing, educational or problem solving’ frame the work is often cast in. Caoimhe McAvinchey, 2014
Remapping Performance: Common Ground, Uncommon Partners
This book discusses collaborative projects between communities, arts and social sector agencies, where all are vital to realise the ambitions of the project. Case studies have a mainly US focus but highly relevant to UK practitioners. Jan Cohen-Cruz, 2015
Theatre in Education in Britain: Origins, Development & Influence
This book has case studies and perspectives from leading Theatre in Education practitioners past and present. It gives a historical overview and understanding of the political and educational context of TIE in the UK. Roger Wooster, 2016
Culture, Democracy and the Right to Make Art: The British Community Arts Movement
This book tells the history of community arts in the UK through the experiences of those involved and discusses its influence on participatory arts today. An invaluable read for anyone making participatory theatre. Alison Jeffers & Gerri Moriarty, 2017
Scenes from the Revolution: Making Political Theatre 1968 – 2018
A celebration of fifty years of political theatre in Britain with old scripts and contemporary commentary. The book asks what today’s theatre makers can learn from our roots. Fascinating for radical practitioners. Kim Wiltshire and Billy Cowan (ed), 2018
A Restless Art: How Participation Won and Why it Matters
A fantastic overview of the development of participatory arts, with historical context, analysis of themes and principles and a clear understanding of where we are and how we got here. A must read. More resources on the supporting website. Francois Matarasso, 2019
Theatre of the Oppressed in Practice Today
An excellent overview of how Theatre of the Oppressed has evolved and is being practiced internationally today, with tips, principles, case studies and conversations. A most useful read for practitioners. Ali Campbell, 2019
Unfinished Histories: Recording the History of Alternative Theatre
A valuable web resource charting the history of alternative theatre in Britain, drawing on original materials and interviews with many of those involved. Unfinished Histories, live
Changing Lives: The Social Impact of Participation in Culture and Sport
In this report the DCMS committee advocates the positive impacts of culture and sport on health, education, criminal justice and regeneration outcomes. House of Commons DCMS, 2019
