Living Through Extremes in Process Drama (Broché)

Living through extremes in process drama is an exploration of integrating Edward Bond's theatre theory and practice into the 'living through' approach to process drama. Ádám Bethlenfalvy examines the basic components of the 'living through' approach to drama through the analysis of the practice of Dorothy Heathcote, Gavin Bolton, Cecily O'Neill and David Davis. A close examination of drama lessons leads to recognising different structures that lead to some shared elements in the work of these pioneers of drama education.
The book also investigates different critiques of this approach and identifies key elements that can help practitioners and teachers create this kind of process drama. This is followed by an in-depth analysis of the theory and practice of Edward Bond, the contemporary British playwright, whose aim is to create moments that rupture dominant public discourses and allow the audience to make their own meaning in the gaps within the narrative on stage.
Through a series of drama lessons, the author explores how participants can be supported in making drama of depth on their own with moments that dislocate dominant social explanations from within the narrative, urging those watching or participating to make their own meaning of events in the drama. Though the book does not offer ready-made solutions, it offers some exciting new recognitions coming from re-kindling the connection between theatre and drama education.