Jan CohenCruz Bücher

This Boal companion explores performative and cultural ideas and practices which inform Boal's work by putting them alongside those from related disciplines.

Focusing on the transformative power of theater, this collection features intimate dialogues that emerge from prison workshops. The first part presents a heartfelt exchange between an author and an incarcerated participant, exploring their shared experiences and visions for the future. The second part includes collaborative essays from eight individuals, highlighting the deep connections formed in various in-prison and re-entry theater settings. Together, these narratives reflect on social challenges and the hopeful aspirations that arise within these unique communities.

"Composes the recollections of socially engaged theater makers and performers to discuss the challenges and adaptations of the field. Meeting the Moment explores experiences of a diverse range of progressive theater and performance makers in the U.S., in their own words, since 1965. These performers, often unknown beyond their immediate audience, articulate diverse influences. Curated stories from over 75 interviews and informal exchanges offers insight into the field and point out limitations due to discrimination and unequal opportunity for performance artists over the past 55 years. They also reflect on how artists are educated and supported, what content is deemed valuable and how it is brought to bear, as well as which audiences are welcome and whether cross-community exchange is encouraged. The book's voices from the field point to more diverse and inclusive practices and give hope for the future of the art"--