The Frantic Assembly Book of Devising Theatre

4
Book review of the second edition.
By Robert Iles - 26th Sep 2014

Scott Graham and Steven Hoggett's book lifts the lid (kind of) off the process behind the development of Frantic Assembly's particular brand of physical theatre.

The first half of the book consists of a breakdown of the process used by Frantic Assembly in devising a new physical piece. Initially looking at the process, "The Frantic Essays" attempt to break-down, identify and explain the step, stages and techniques behind the devising journey. This leads on to a look at actual scenes from their previous productions, breaking each down into "The Idea", "The Process" and "The Development" so we can see how they worked to get the end result. Seeing phyical theatre as choreography without dance is emphasised, particularly in the breakdown of Arrested Punches. rehearsal and production photos help to add life to the descriptions.

In the second half of the  book concentrates on the actual practicality of devising the Frantic Assembly way; warm-ups, exercises and games and finally using words and building character. Whether working in a small or large group there is good advice here though not always as succinctly put as I might like for quick processing. This is perhaps more a planning book than a back pocket quick reference

At the end a really handy two page DOs and DON'Ts ... a crucial guide ;-)

An awful lot is being packed into the 200 pages and at times the text seems a little densely laid out, but none the less an excellent book to have read when next you are in a group trying to free your collective imagination(s).

 


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