Living Theatre: Introduction and History - Various Authors

Introduction

Living Theatre is a book that chronicles the history of one of the most influential theatre companies of the 20th century. Founded in 1947 by Judith Malina and Julian Beck, the Living Theatre was a radical ensemble that pushed the boundaries of theatrical expression and challenged the status quo.

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in theatre, performance art, or the history of the avant-garde. It is a fascinating account of a company that was always ahead of its time and that continues to inspire artists today.

History

The Living Theatre was founded in New York City in 1947 by Judith Malina and Julian Beck. The company was originally called the "Circle in the Square" and was based on the principles of Stanislavski's method acting. However, Malina and Beck soon became disillusioned with the limitations of traditional theatre and began to experiment with new forms of expression.

In the early 1950s, the Living Theatre began to produce plays that were increasingly political and experimental. The company's work was often controversial and was sometimes met with censorship and arrests. However, the Living Theatre continued to push the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in theatre.

In the 1960s, the Living Theatre became one of the most famous theatre companies in the world. The company toured internationally and its work was seen by millions of people. The Living Theatre's work had a profound impact on the development of theatre and performance art and continues to be studied and admired today.

Key Figures

The Living Theatre was founded by Judith Malina and Julian Beck, who were the company's artistic directors for over 50 years. Malina and Beck were both passionate artists who were committed to creating theatre that was relevant to the social and political issues of their time.

Other key figures in the Living Theatre included actors such as Ellen Stewart, Steve Ben Israel, and Marianne Faithful. These actors were all dedicated to the company's mission and helped to create some of the most memorable performances in the history of theatre.

Major Works

The Living Theatre produced a wide range of works, from traditional plays to experimental performance pieces. Some of the company's most famous works include:

• The Connection (1959)
• The Brig (1963)
• Paradise Now (1968)
• Frankenstein (1973)
• The Yellow Wallpaper (1975)

These works are all considered to be classics of theatre and continue to be performed around the world.

Impact

The Living Theatre had a profound impact on the development of theatre and performance art. The company's work challenged traditional notions of what theatre could be and helped to open up new possibilities for artistic expression. The Living Theatre also inspired a generation of artists and activists who continue to work for social change.

Conclusion

Living Theatre is a book that tells the story of one of the most important theatre companies of the 20th century. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in theatre, performance art, or the history of the avant-garde.