The streets of cities around the world have been filled with a new theatrical model of protest, with creativity, fun, pleasure, and play as the cornerstones of this new approach. This book examines the historical use and development of 'play' as well as the recent ways in which it has infused protest and community building.

Introduction 1. Play as Prank: From the Yippies to the Young Lords 2. Send in the Clowns: Play, Pleasure and Movements for Sexual Freedom 3. Play as Community Building: From Gardens to Global Peace and Justice 4. Playing in Topsy-Turvery Times: From Carnival to Carnage 5. The Limits of Play: Radical Clowning vs. Tomato Picking. Conclusion: Methodological Reflections on the Study of Play in Social Movements

Benjamin Shepard, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Human Service at the New York School of Technology/City University of New York.