This newly-updated volume looks at the scope of Augusto Boal's career from his early work as a playwright and director in Sao Paulo in the 1950s, to the development of his ground-breaking manifesto in the 1970s for a 'Theatre of the Oppressed'. Offering fascinating reading for anyone interested in the role that theatre can play in stimulating social and personal change, this useful study includes:

• a biographical and historical overview of Boal's career as theatre practitioner and director
• an in-depth analysis of Boal's classic text on radical theatre
• an exploration of training and production techniques
• practical guidance to Boal's workshop methods

This is an essential introduction to the work of a practitioner who has had a tremendous impact on contemporary theatre. As a first step towards critical understanding, and as an initial exploration before going on to further, primary research, Routledge Performance Practitioners are unbeatable value for today’s student.

Frances Babbage is Professor of Theatre and Performance at the University of Sheffield.