Theatre History & Styles

This paper describes and defines theatre for social change as a specific field of practice, considering the features that differentiate it from other forms of participatory and applied drama.  Sarah Thornton, 2013 

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 

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 

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 

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 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 

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 

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