Cities around the world have experienced a new theatrical model of protest, with creativity, fun, pleasure, and play as the cornerstones of this 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.

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

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