Immersive Theatres: Intimacy and Immediacy in Contemporary Performance

by Josephine Machon (Editor)

This comprehensive text is the first survey to explore the theory, history and practice of immersive theatre. Charting the rise of the immersive theatre phenomenon, Josephine Machon shares her wealth of expertise in the field of contemporary performance, inviting the reader to immerse themselves within this abundantly illustrated text. The first section of the book introduces concepts of immersion, situating them within a historical context and establishing a clear critical vocabulary for discussion. The second section then presents contributions from a wealth of immersive artists.

Assuming no prior knowledge with its critical commentary, this is a rich resource for lecturers and students at all levels and internationally, including undergraduates and post-graduates, as well as practitioners and researchers of contemporary performance. This would also be an ideal text for general enthusiasts and readers with an interest in immersive theatre.

Genres: Theatre, Nonfiction

344 pages, Paperback

First published June 14, 2013

Reviews

[Abraham · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic survey of work in London and the UK in the last fifteen years. Just a collection of interviews along with some irritating academic carrying on about definitions. But the author clearly cares about the subject and is a good interviewer. A must read for anyone in the field of performance and theater, or tine based work at all.

[Nico · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dense writing style due to the academic ambitions. It covers some interesting topics, but it is largely a review of existing plays. I regretted that there was no description of the used examples. The second part (interviews with different makers) turned out to be the best part of the book.

[Nico Groenenberg · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dense writing style due to the academic ambitions. It covers some interesting topics, but it is largely a review of existing plays. I regretted that there was no description of the used examples. The second part (interviews with different makers) turned out to be the best part of the book.

[David Blanar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid starting point and a good introduction to the subject.