A classic book that charts the growth of the community arts movement in the UK, its political context and its role in cultural activism. Reissued recently as a free e-book, a useful provocation for contemporary practitioners. Owen Kelly, 1984
Other Theatres: The Development of Alternative and Experimental Theatre in Britain
This classic book discusses the development of political theatre in the UK since Shakespeare with chapters on post 1960s political and community theatre. Andrew Davies, 1987
Verbatim Theatre: Oral History and Documentary Techniques
This is an excellent description of social documentary theatre, explaining how the form works and its historical roots. Helpful for contemporary practitioners to better understand the form and see its applications. Derek Paget, 1987
Games for Actors and Non Actors
This book gives a detailed introduction to Boal’s theories and sets out the different forms of Theatre of the Oppressed, including Image, Invisible and Forum theatre. Also includes many practical theatre games. For many more books by Boal about different aspects of TO look here. Augusto Boal, 1992
Verbatim, Verbatim: Contemporary Documentary Theatre
This book explores verbatim theatre with perspectives from several influential late 20th century theatre makers who took the form into the theatrical mainstream to make innovative political theatre. Will Hammond & Dan Stewart, 2008
Applied Theatre: International Case Studies and Challenges for Practice
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
What is Theatre for Social Change
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
Performance and Community: Commentary and Case Studies
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
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
