Product Description

This is the classic and best selling book by the founder of Theatre of the Oppressed, Augusto Boal, including new discussions, a new introduction and a collection of images.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #10404 in Books
• Published on: 2002-08-22
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 336 pages

Review
'Boal's analysis of the art of the Actor makes [Games for Actors and Non-Actors] compulsory reading.' - Plays and Players

'This is an inspiring and powerful book, a lucid account that will be of substantial use to people already using Theatre of the Oppressed. It should also act as an excellent introduction for those new to the system.' - Artscene

'This is a useful handbook for those who want to explore Boal's Theatre of the Oppressed and as such is greatly to be welcomed. Boal's work deserves and demands emulation.' - Theatre Research International

From the Back Cover
A

About the Author
Augusto Boal is a theatre director, dramatist, theorist, writer and teacher. He was a Member of Parliament for Rio de Janeiro from 1993-1996. He is the author of Theatre of the Oppressed, Games for Actors and Non-Actors, Rainbow of Desire, Legislative Theatre, and Hamlet and the Baker's Son: My Life in Theatre and Politics.
Adrian Jackson is Artistic Director of Cardboard Citizens. He has translated four books by Augusto Boal, collaborated on a number of occasions and taught Theatre of the Oppressed widely in other countries, including Namibia, South Africa, Hong Kong, Mauritius and Finland.

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.