Dr McCurdy's new book...

Free Theatre ensemble member Marian McCurdy has just released a new book. Congratulations to Marian - a huge achievement - very exciting! Dude.

Titled Acting and its Refusal in Theatre and Film: the Devil Makes Believe, it has been published by Intellect and is distributed by University of Chicago Press. 

Based on her PhD thesis, the book presents an analysis of a number of Free Theatre productions (Including Faust Chroma and Distraction Camp) and films such Lust, Caution directed by Ang Lee and Lars von Trier’s The Idiots. 

We're planning a special official launch for Dr McCurdy's book in The Gym, possibly in conjunction with a special presentation of papers that are being developed towards a new book on Free Theatre by ensemble members. We'll keep you informed with dates and details.

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It shows a very original way of looking at examples of the antitheatrical prejudice as practised by creative artists in various contexts. The study is enhanced by the author’s direct experience of such projects as participant.

A broad range of theories smoothly linked together, unfolding the phenomenon of the refusal to act; an enormous range of examples and detailed case studies that demonstrate different aspects of this phenomenon in terms of historical moment, cultural context and philosophical underpinning.
Márta Minier, Peer Review

Recently, a supporter of the company asked why we don't publish more... perhaps we should. But there are already things out there, including: Moving Targets: Political theatre in a post-political age by Ryan Reynolds, and Emma Johnston's Healing Maori Through Song and Dance?: Three case studies of recent New Zealand music theatre. Also there are a number of writings (book chapters, journal articles and so on) in our writings thingee.