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.
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
The book helps us think about how political theatre can be and perhaps must be if it wants to remain relevant. WDR 3 Mosaik
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
Malzacher’s analysis is clever, enjoyable and accessible even for the theory-shy. Along the way, it is also a briefing on the state of the discourse and a declaration of love for theatre. Suzanne Zahnd, WOZ
