Description: Improvising Real Life: Personal Story in Playback Theatre describes the origins, practice and philosophy of Playback Theatre-interactive improvisational theatre that dramatizes audience members' stories. Entertaining and thoughtful, Improvising Real Life is illustrated with photos and real-life stories told in performances and workshops.
Review Quotes:
"This is a must-read book not only for theatre artists, but for educators and social service professionals interested in the arts as a tool toward both self-expression and community building. Playback Theatre is immediate and accessible theatre, formal yet intimate, and extremely adaptable to different contexts."
Mady Schutzman, Co-editor, Playing Boal: Theatre, Therapy, Activism.
"Readers concerned with story and theatre will find much of interest in this clearly and simply written account, which combines some of the elements of a how-to manual with reflection and theory."
PARABOLA Magazine
"A basic operating manual for anyone who works with expressive therapies, role play, storytelling. Jo Salas's language is as direct and evocative as a Playback Theatre episode. Study this book, use it!"
Robin Larsen, PhD, co-author, A Fire in the Mind: The Life of Joseph Campbell.