Encountering Ensemble

Description

Encountering Ensemble, is a text for students, teachers, researchers and practitioners who wish to develop a deeper understanding of the history, conceptual foundations and practicalities of the world of ensemble theatre. It is the first book to draw together definitions and practitioner examples, making it a cutting edge work on the subject. Encountering Ensemble combines historical and contemporary case studies with a wide range of approaches and perspectives. It is written collaboratively with practitioners and members from the academic community and is divided into three sections: 1. Introduction and an approach to training ensembles 2. Practitioner case studies and analysis of specific practical approaches to training ensembles (or individuals in an ensemble context) 3. Succinct perspectives from practitioners reflecting on a range of questions including: What is an ensemble?; the place of ensemble in the contemporary theatre landscape; and training issues.

John Britton is Senior Lecturer in Performance at the University of Huddersfield, Course Leader for the MA Ensemble Theatre: Training & Performance (a postgraduate degree based round his unique training processes) and Artistic Director of DUENDE, an international performance ensemble dedicated to developing interdisciplinary and intergenerational new work. John trains ensemble groups worldwide through his workshops in Mexico, Slovenia, France, Germany, Greece, China, Portugal, Australia, India and the UK. John has extensive experience as a director, performer and writer of physical, interdisciplinary and text-based work.

Encountering Ensemble draws attention to the reality that ensemble invites and demands from practitioners, students and audience members alike ... For students, practitioners, educators and researchers who are interested in understanding the extent to which ensemble theatre has contributed, and can continue to contribute, towards the purpose and practice of theatre in contemporary society, this book is invaluable. * South African Theatre Journal * This welcome contribution to performance studies provides a rich and significant resource for students, teachers and practitioners. -- Jayne Richards * Studies in Theatre and Performance * A thoughtful, practical guide that celebrates ensemble as an intersection of historical knowledge shaping the relationships we craft both with one another and the audience. -- Rebecca Hewett * Theatre Topics *