The first comparative study on the history and practice of popular theatre in Britain and overseas. The fragmentation of social groups in the face of the global mass media has begun to threaten the survival of popular theatre companies. This study traces the development of various types of community theatre, from the '70s to the present day. Integrating a comparative history of popular theatre with the contributions of current, active popular theatre makers, this book will appeal both to the theatrical practitioner and to the academic.

Tim Prentki is Emeritus Professor of Theatre for Development at the University of Winchester, United Kingdom, and a frequent contributor to Applied Theatre Research.