An exploration of participatory theatre and its parallels in contemporary consumer culture, written by two influential Canadian authors and illustrated by Jeff McGilton.
From escape rooms to TikTok to DIY everything, participatory performance is ingrained in the very fabric of our contemporary society. Written in a series of alphabetical, standalone mini essays that activate the reader as a participant who chooses their own path, PLAY: Dramaturgies of Participation collects, describes, and analyses live performances in which the audience become participants in the piece itself.
Jenn Stephenson and Mariah Horner explore the parallels between participatory theatre and the interactive phenomenon where the passive consumer is now engaging with their content. In a world where participation is key to our social interaction, Stephenson and Horner find a unique approach to understanding our relationship with theatre, and by extension, each other.
| ISBN: | 9780369105042 |
| Publication date: | 5th March 2026 |
| Author: | Jenn Stephenson, Mariah Horner |
| Illustrator: | Jeff McGilton |
| Publisher: | Playwrights Canada Press an imprint of Nick Hern Books |
| Format: | Paperback |
| Pagination: | 512 pages |
| Genres: |
Theatre studies Cultural studies Performing arts |
An exploration of participatory theatre and its parallels in contemporary consumer culture, written by two influential Canadian authors and illustrated by Jeff McGilton.
From escape rooms to TikTok to DIY everything, participatory performance is ingrained in the very fabric of our contemporary society. Written in a series of alphabetical, standalone mini essays that activate the reader as a participant who chooses their own path, PLAY: Dramaturgies of Participation collects, describes, and analyses live performances in which the audience become participants in the piece itself.
Jenn Stephenson and Mariah Horner explore the parallels between participatory theatre and the interactive phenomenon where the passive consumer is now engaging with their content. In a world where participation is key to our social interaction, Stephenson and Horner find a unique approach to understanding our relationship with theatre, and by extension, each other.
Play features in the following genres: Theatre studies, Cultural studies, Performing arts
Play is available in Paperback
Play was written by Jenn Stephenson, Mariah Horner and published by Playwrights Canada Press an imprint of Nick Hern Books
Play has 512 pages
£35.99