Living through extremes in process drama is an exploration of integrating
Edward Bond's theatre theory and practice into the ‘living through’ ap¬
proach to process drama. Ádám Bethlenfalvy examines the basic com¬
ponents of the ‘living through’ approach to drama through the analysis
of the practice of Dorothy Heathcote, Gavin Bolton, Cecily O'Neill and
David Davis. A close examination of drama lessons leads to recognising
different structures that lead to some shared elements in the work of these
pioneers of drama education. The book also investigates different criti¬
ques of this approach and identifies key elements that can help practi¬
tioners and teachers create this kind of process drama. This is followed by
an in-depth analysis of the theory and practice of Edward Bond, the con¬
temporary British playwright, whose aim is to create moments that rupture
dominant public discourses and allow the audience to make their own
meaning in the gaps within the narrative on stage.
Through a series of drama lessons, the author explores how pariici¬
pants can be supported in making drama of depth on their own with
moments that dislocate dominant social explanations from within the
narrative, urging those watching or participating to make their own mea¬
ning of events in the drama. Though the book does not offer ready-made
solutions, it offers some exciting new recognitions coming from re-kindling
the connection between theatre and drama education.