The Theatre of Grotowski

Abstract

First published in 1985, this is a reissue of the seminal text on the work of Jerzy Grotowski and Laboratory Theatre recognised as being one of the most influential and important studies of the Polish theatre practitioner. In 1984 Grotowski’s Laboratory Theatre closed down after twenty-five years of ceaseless experimentation pushing at the boundaries of the nature of theatre. From tiny beginnings in provincial Poland, Grotowski’s influence spread to Eurpoe and the United States, fuelled first by the international tours of his remarkable company and then by ‘paratheatrical’ participatory projects which attracted adherents all over the world. This magnificent study of his work remains one of the most important and thorough examinations of the history, theory and post-theatre work of this most influential of theatre practitioners. This second edition: * Adds three new chapters positioning Grotowski restrospectively within theatrical and performance developments of the past 30 years. * Sets the original research and book in the context of its time, politically, socially and culturally. * Analyses the major developments that have taken place in the research process itself, specifically from the objective/analytical to subjective, experiential and phenomenological exploring the inter-disciplinary threads of influence of Grotowski's work, taking a wider cultural perspective than purely theatrical or performance-based. * Includes contributions from a number of individuals who worked with Grotowski * Offers a revaluation of the paratheatrical period of Grotowski's work with the aim of de-mystifying and reclaiming it as a valid part of both performance and theatrical explorations and the wider cultural perspective. * Includes interviews with Laboratory Theatre actors and personnel, some never published, with original recording placed online.