Scenes from the Revolution: Making Political Theatre 1968-2018

Scenes from the Revolution is a book that explores fifty years of political theatre in Britain, featuring lost scripts from companies such as Broadside Mobile Workers Theatre, The Women's Theatre Group, and The General Will, with commentary from contemporary political theatre makers. It asks what can be learned from the rich history of political theatre and how contemporary practitioners can apply these approaches to the current politically troubled world.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 20 September 2018
Publisher: Pluto Press

Political theatre thrives on turbulence, using powerful and dramatic art to reflect society and challenge its norms. By turning political issues of the day into captivating performances, political theatre has the ability to shock, discomfort, and entertain audiences. Scenes from the Revolution, a celebration of fifty years of political theatre in Britain, delves into the rich history of this form of art. The book includes lost scripts from various companies, such as Broadside Mobile Workers Theatre, The Women's Theatre Group, and The General Will, along with insightful commentary from contemporary political theatre makers. It explores key themes such as the lessons learned from political theatre's past, how contemporary practitioners can apply these approaches to our current politically troubled world, and the diverse range of political theatre forms that have emerged over the years.

The editors begin by providing a brief history of pre-1968 political theatre, highlighting figures like Brecht, Joan Littlewood, and Ewan McColl. They then delve into agit-prop, working-class theatre, theatre in education, theatre and race, women's theatre, and LGBTQ theatre. The book features many of the leading voices in the field, both from the past and present.

Scenes from the Revolution is a valuable resource for anyone interested in politics in the arts. It offers a comprehensive exploration of the past, present, and potential future of political theatre, providing insights and perspectives that are essential for understanding the role. Whether you are a theatre practitioner, scholar, or simply a passionate observer of the political landscape, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of the power and impact of political theatre.

Weight: 310g
Dimension: 214 x 185 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780745338514