Radical Street Performance

by Jan Cohen-Cruz (Editor)

Radical Street Performance is the first volume to collect together the fascinating array of writings by activists, directors, performers, critics, scholars and journalists who have documented street theatre around the world.
More than thirty essays explore the myriad forms this most public of performances can
* agit-prop
* invisible theatre
* demonstrations and rallies
* direct action
* puppetry
* parades and pageants
* performance art
* guerrilla theatre
* circuses
These essays look at performaces in Europe, Africa, China, India and both the Americas. They describe engagement with issues as diverse as abortion, colonialism, the environment and homophobia, to name only a few. Introduced by editor Jan Cohen-Cruz, the essays are organized into thematic Agitating; Witnessing; Involving; Imagining; and Popularizing.
Radical Street Performance is an inspiring testimony to this international performance phenomenon, and an invaluable record of a form of theatre which continues to flourish in a televisual age.

Genres: Theory, Theatre, Art

328 pages, Paperback

First published June 26, 1998

Reviews

[naya (taylor’s version) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had to read this for a class.

It’s very interesting to see how performance/art is interlinked with political and social change. It’s also crazy how little one can know about what is going on in the world.

If you can read just one essay from this book, you definitely should because this one is an eye opener and a must read!

[Sam Funk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good read that expanded my view of applied theatre!

[Jez · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fact that these are abridged means that you can cover a lot of diverse ground quickly, however it also leaves you wanting more.