Through a collection of original essays and case studies, this innovative book explores theory as an accessible, although complex, tool for theatre practitioners and students. These chapters invite readers to (re)imagine theory as a site of possibility or framework that can shape theatre making, emerge from practice, and foster new ways of seeing, creating, and reflecting. Focusing on the productive tensions and issues that surround creative practice and intellectual processes, the contributing authors present central concepts and questions that frame the role of theory in the theatre. Ultimately, this diverse and exciting collection offers inspiring ideas, raises new questions, and introduces ways to build theoretically-minded, dynamic production work.
Introduction
PART I: CONTEXTUALIZING THEORY AND PRACTICE
Introduction to Part I
The Function of Theory at the Present Time?; M.Fortier
Approaching Theory: Scholar and Practitioner; M.Van de Water
'There is a World Elsewhere': The Endgame of Theory and Practice; M.Kobialka
PART II: INTERROGATING THEORY IN THEATRE PRACTICE: PRODUCTIVE TENSIONS, QUESTIONS AND IMPLICATIONS
Introduction to Part II
Immediate Bodies: Media Theory and Theatre; S.Bay-Cheng
Authenticity in Children's Theatre and Art; S.Etheridge Woodson
Theatrical Nationalism and Subversive Affirmation; S.Wilmer
Sensual Engagements: Understanding Theories of the Senses and their Potential Applications within Theatre Practice; S.DiBenedetto
Active Dramaturgy: Using Research to Inspire Creative Thought; L.Inez Brown
Intuition in Practice: Emotion and Feeling in the Artistic Process; H.Feiner
Resisting Binaries: Theory and Acting; J.Lutterbie
Moving Spectators Toward Progressive Politics by Combining Brechtian Theory with Cognitive Science; B.McConachie
PART III: CASE STUDIES: ACTIVATING THEORY WITHIN AND THROUGH THE PRODUCTION PROCESS
Introduction to Part III
Theatre is Theory: A Case Study of Ghosting; H.Blau
Cyrano's Intercultural Voyages in India; D.McManus
(Re)presenting Silenced Voices: Negotiating Multiple Landscapes Through Body, Voice and Architecture; J.Listengarten & C.Niess
Voice and the Venus: Opening up Voice and Speech with Post-Colonial Theories; L.Dougherty
Theoretical Terrain and Performance Practice: An Actor's Journey into the Uncharted Territory of Landscape Theatre; B.Hanemann
Under the Influence; A.Mello
Modulating Theory: Breaking New Ground in Musical Theatre Study; J.Bell
Tongues of Stone: making Space Speak...Again and Again; C.Brown & D.Hannah
Seven Instructions: A Dialogue; M.Rohd & S.Scrofano
Index.
