Product Description

The French edition of "Jeux pour Acteurs et Non-Acteurs" published in 1982 is currently in its seventh edition. Boal's early work took place under the military regime in Brazil. During a period of exile in Portugal, France, Sweden, Germany, and the US he developed work on combating oppression through theatre. His methods transform theatre from a hierarchical structure where actors are active and audiences passive, to a democratic arena where the spectator becomes the "spectactor", contributing ideas, taking over roles, and using theatre to confront everyday problems, such as sexual harassment, poor pay, homophobia, and racism and find ways of fighting them. "Games for Actors and Non-Actors" is a handbook of methods, techniques, games, and exercises designed to help anyone - whether actor or non-actor - rehearse for real life: make the fictional real.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #278541 in Books
• Published on: 1992-04-30
• Original language: French
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 288 pages

Customer Reviews

Essential manual for anyone in theatre
Roughly divided into three sections, Boal's Games for Actors and Non-Actors is by now a bible in the trade and is far more readable than the dense (but rewarding) Theatre of the Oppressed. The first part outlines, with relevant examples, the methods known as Image, Invisible and Forum Theatre and gives very practical advice to potential practitioners. In the second section, Boal takes us through a wealth of games and exercises which are devoted to integrating groups, exploring the senses, politicising the actor, releasing expression. They are invaluable and are stimulating (I have used them with diverse groups - trainers, actors, the deaf community, people with Down Syndrome, the elderly, teachers, theatre directors). The third section looks at problems arising from and issues associated with Forum theatre, and leads the way towards his subsequent work in Legislative Theatre. Adrian Jackson provides a wonderfully lucid translation which captures the energy and dynamism of Boal's voice.

Surprisingly good!
In all honesty I bought this book as it was on the book list for my drama degree not because it interested me. But as I am reading it I am finding that it is not only easy to read but it is actually enjoyable too! It is very east to sit and read a chapter without having to re-read over every paragraph because you have forgotten what you have just read! I would recommend this book to anyone who is working in schools or with the community as it has a lot of insight and many simple but effective games and ideas.

Useful fro anyone interested in drama
I had to use this book for a practical seminar, but ended up buying it because it has so many games and warm up exercises that will be useful in any dramatic/theatrical situation. Interesting, quirky and good for attaining some knowledge into games from other cultures.