Participation

One of the first books to document international community theatre through detailed case studies. These are excellent observations of diverse practices. Van Erven went on to establish the International Community Arts Festival.  Eugene van Erven, 2001 

The eight international case studies in this book show a broad range of participatory theatre approaches, each demonstrating radical empowerment, and offering provocative food for thought for practitioners. Richard Boon & Jane Plastow, 2004 

This was one of the first books to set participatory theatre in an academic frame of reference. It looks at applied drama from a critical perspective asking important questions about purpose, efficacy, value and ethics.  Helen Nicholson, 2005 

This anthology brings together writing from major community performance theorists and practitioners from the UK, USA, Australia and beyond.  Petra Kuppers & Gwen Robertson (ed), 2007 

A comprehensive guidebook for students/practitioners looking at what applied theatre is and how it works, with broad ranging case studies, critical reflection, practical activities and prompts for further reading. Monica Prendergast & Juliana Saxton, 2009

Projects in sites of war, disaster and crisis provide the backdrop for this critical examination of applied theatre. The book argues the need for socially driven work to connect more deeply with art and beauty.  James Thompson, 2011 

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 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 

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