Performing New Lives draws together some of the most original and innovative programs in contemporary prison theatre. Leading prison theatre directors and practitioners discuss the prison theatre experience first-hand; and offer valuable insights into its role; function; and implementation. A wide range of prison theatre initiatives are discussed; from long-running; high-profile programs such as Curt Toftelands "Shakespeare Behind Bars" in LaGrange; Kentucky; to fledgling efforts like Jodi Jinks "ArtsAloud" project in Austin; Texas. The book offers unique insights into the many dimensions of the prison theatre experience; including: negotiating the rules and restrictions of the prison environment; establishing trust; teaching performance skills and managing crises; building relationships and dealing with conflicts; and negotiating public performances and public perceptions. Excerpts of interviews with inmates; and a conversation between practitioners in the final chapter; reveal the impact that prison theatre programs have on the performers themselves; as well as audience members; and the wider community. Exploring prison theatre processes and theory with insights into how it works in practice; and how to replicate it; this book is essential reading for drama therapists; theatre artists; and prison educators; as well as academics.
2012-12-13 2012-12-13File Name: B00BSDXNKW
Review
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful. A very good comprehensive portrait of Tony KushnerBy Ishbel SzatrawskiActually I would rate this item a bit higher. Perhaps 4.5 stars? Its very well done; full of important information; detailed; and; the most important aspect; intelligent. I am also very happy because thats what I really wanted and needed; thats the thing that I expected when I ordered it. And Im definitely not disappointed. A real comprehensive portrait indeed. Proper for scholars; drama and theater lovers; well; everybody; whos interested in Tony Kushners works.1 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Difficult but ultimately emptyBy AbirI really struggled with this authors writing style - extremely long sentences made reading comprehension an end in itself rather than a means to communicate. Worse; in place of providing commentary or insight; the bulk of the essays just describes the action of the play. Some little commentary is laid out in the introduction and largely repeated in the following chapters. Not what I was looking for.