The Art of Assembly. Political Theatre Today

Florian Malzacher. Berlin/New York: Alexander Verlag & Martin E. Segal Theatre Center, 2023.

Also available in German language

The Art of AssemblyThe Art of Assembly surveys theatre today to demonstrate its political potential in both form and content. Drawing on numerous examples from around the world in performance, visual arts,
and activist art, curator and author Florian Malzacher examines works that draw on the particular possibilities of theatre to navigate the space between representation and participation, at once playfully and with sincerity.

In a time of wide-ranging crisis, The Art of Assembly is a plea for a strong definition of the political and for a theatre that is not content merely to reflect the world’s ills, but instead acts to change them.

There is much to learn from Malzacher’s approach to political theatre. Peter Eckersall, PAJ – Performing Arts Journal

A knowledgeable foray through the landscape of political theatre. Shirin Sojitrawalla, taz

A very good overview of current postdramatic events, bringing together a great deal of empirical material. Simon Strauß, FAZ

An important book, one that every theatre scholar should read and make use of in their seminars. Twenty years after Hans-Thies Lehmann’s Postdramatic Theatre, it is almost just as indispensable as a reference point for current approaches. Peter M. Boenisch, Aarhus Universitet

A stimulating book that brings you up to date with the latest discursive thinking without overwhelming you with theory. An ideal side effect. Karin Cerny, profil

Florian Malzacher revitalises the concept of ‘political theatre’ at exactly the right moment. An exciting read! Matthias Lilienthal

Rarely have the pitfalls of representation as the cornerstone of theatre been explained so elegantly. Berliner Zeitung

A clever analysis, enjoyable and accessible even for the theory-shy. A briefing on the state of the discourse and a declaration of love for theatre. Suzanne Zahnd, WOZ

156 pages, 22 images.
13,5 ×  21,0 cm, paperback
EAN 9781953892102
Book 18,– € / E-Book 17,99 € / Lulu (print) 25$

Other editions

In German language
Gesellschaftsspiele. Politisches Theater heute
Alexander Verlag Berlin, 2020
ISBN 978-3-89581-513-3
Buch 15,– € / E-Book 12,99 €
Special edition (in German)
Gesellschaftsspiele. Politisches Theater heute
Bundeszentrale für politische Bildung, 2022
ISBN 978-3-7425-730-3
4,50 Euro
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Book presentation The Art of Assembly. Florian Malzacher in conversation with Claire Bishop