Devising Theatre

Alison Oddey's Devising Theatre: A Practical and Theoretical Handbook is a foundational text that provides a comprehensive blueprint for the collaborative creation of performance. First published in 1994, the book arrived at a moment when 'devising' was moving from the margins of experimental theater into the mainstream of arts education and professional practice. Oddey provide a vital bridge between the abstract theories of the avant-garde and the practical realities of the rehearsal room.

The book is structured as both a 'how-to' manual and a critical analysis. Oddey move methodically through the lifecycle of a devised project: from the initial stimulus and research phase to the development of a 'visual and physical vocabulary,' the generation of text through improvisation, and the final editing and shaping of the performance. She look at the various 'roles' within a devisng ensemble: actor, director, designer, and writer: and how these roles are often blurred and redefined in a collective environment. The text is particularly noted for its focus on the 'multi-media' nature of devised theater, exploring how light, sound, and space are used as primary elements of the creation rather than just as 'decor.'

Oddey include several detailed case studies of influential companies like Theatre de Complicité and The People Show, providing a 'behind-the-scenes' look at their diverse processes. The book emphasizes the 'democratization' of theater making, where every artist is a co-creator and an 'author' of the final work. Devising Theatre remains a vital resource for anyone looking to understand the rigor, the risks, and the profound artistic satisfaction of the collective creation of theater.

Devising Theatre is considered one of the 'classic' texts in the field of contemporary performance pedagogy. Reviewers often praise Alison Oddey for her ability to translate the 'mystery' of devisng into a series of clear, actionable steps. The book's use of case studies is frequently cited as a major strength, providing the practice with essential professional and historical context. It remains a staple for many drama departments and a primary reference for those committed to the 'maker' culture of theater.