Devising in Process

by Alex Mermikides, Jackie Smart (Series Editor)

Devising in Process examines the creative processes of eight theatre companies making devising-based performances.

Companies covered
- The People Show
- Station House Opera
- Shunt
- The Red Room
- Faulty Optic Theatre of Animation
- theatre O
- Gecko
- Third Angel

Authors were granted unusual access to the rehearsal room, enabling them to provide unique insights into how ideas evolve and develop, how strategies and methods are applied and how roles and relationships are structured. Covering a broad range of styles, the collection explores physical theatre, political theatre, puppetry, live art, new writing and performance with new technology.

Accessibly framed, the book includes a comprehensive introduction which highlights similarities and differences in approach, examines the impact of economic and cultural factors and explores how definitions of devised theatre are changing and developing. This eye-opening collection will be important reading for students and practitioners interested in exploring 21st century devising processes.

208 pages, Paperback

First published July 15, 2010

Reviews

[Colin Bruce Anthes · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good book, capturing some interesting ideas from some very interesting devising companies. Perhaps it deserves more than three stars for being what its title proposes it to be; this is an account of devised companies already in process.

In my experience, however, what best defines a devised company--the point where the collective's philosophy, technique, and particular synergy most strongly come together--is the way in which it actually begins. Where does its process start from? How do its members jump in? How do they make that gigantic leap from not creating to creating?

I had a sense I might be disappointed in this book when the very first process covered was the adaptation of an existing production (People Show #118; The Birthday Show). My disappointment continued throughout; the author nonchalantly makes notes such as when he "first encountered what became 9 Billion Miles from Home...the performance had become a duet...", oblivious to my snarling face and clenched fists. Foiled again!

This is a solid read for people interested in expanding their ideas about where a production can go. As a book on the devising process, however, I'm afraid I did not find it particularly enlightening.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, this is a wonderful book on the nebulous act of devising theatre. Though, the second chapter was so convoluted as to be barely readable, the final chapter was especially inspiring.