This practical, accessible and far-reaching guide to making site-specific theatre and performance emphasises the diversity of approaches to the practice, and explores key principles of space and site. Phil Smith draws on a wide range of interdisciplinary and international performance examples, and uses an innovative variety of exercises, to show students and aspiring performance-makers how to find a site and generate a performance beyond the theatre building.
By:
Phil Smith (Plymouth University Plymouth Devon UK)
Imprint: Methuen Drama
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Edition: 1st ed. 2019
Dimensions:
Height: 208mm,
Width: 146mm,
Spine: 20mm
Weight: 340g
ISBN: 9781352003178
ISBN 10: 1352003171
Pages: 280
Publication Date: 27 May 2019
Audience:
College/higher education
,
Primary
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active
List of Illustrations Arriving: a fluid sort of prologue Part I: Finding a site 1.Why make Site Specific Performance? 2.Drifting and quest: in search of sites 3.Journey performances 4.What is a site? Part II: Generating Performance 5.Visiting your site 6.Site Aesthetics 7.Personae, presences, characters Part III: Shaping A Production 8.Dramaturgy 9. Scenographies and Enchanted Objects 10. Communities, Audiences and Immersion 11. Technology 12.Site Etiquette Bibliography
Phil Smith is Associate Professor (Reader) at Plymouth University, UK. He is a performance-maker, writer and ambulatory researcher. He is a core member of Wrights & Sites and co-author of their ‘The Architect-Walker’ (2018), and company dramaturg for Munich-based TNT Theatre. His previous publications include ‘Rethinking Mythogeography in Northfield, Minnesota’ (2018, with photographer John Schott), ‘Anywhere’ (2017), ‘Walking Stumbling Limping Falling’ (2017, with poet Alyson Hallett), ‘A Footbook of Zombie Walking’ and ‘Walking’s New Movement’ (2015), ‘On Walking’ and ‘Enchanted Things’ (2014), ‘Counter-Tourism: The Handbook’ (2012) and ‘Mythogeography’ (2010).
Reviews for Making Site-Specific Theatre and Performance: A Handbook
Phil Smith is a unique and eclectic guide with a vast knowledge of site-specific performance. In this book he conveys this knowledge in such a way that inspires and playfully encourages us to find our own approach to making this kind of performance, with confidence, in his guidance. * Andrew Houston, University of Waterloo, Canada * An invaluable resource for artists and teachers; combining insightful scholarship, creative exercises, and revealing accounts of practice. Perfect for those studying or making performance, within and beyond a range of practices including site-specific, immersive, walking and outdoor art practices. * Philip Stanier, University of Winchester, UK *