Joan Littlewood's Theatre

Joan Littlewood was one of the most visionary and influential theatre directors of the twentieth century. Drawing on extensive archival research and detailed performance histories, and paying close attention to wider political and cultural forces, this innovative study presents a fresh examination of Littlewood's treatment of the politics of war, Renaissance plays, marginalised communities and popular culture in productions such as Oh What a Lovely War, A Taste of Honey and Richard II. This book offers a sustained examination of Littlewood's paratheatrical activity that centred on her ambitious plans for the Fun Palace, a multifaceted cultural centre, and her numerous playground projects for young people. Alert to critical thinking on ethics, citizenship, cultural politics, class and space, Joan Littlewood's Theatre will deepen and extend knowledge and understanding of the innovative theatrical, cultural and community-based practices generated by Littlewood throughout her career.

• Provides a thematic exploration of Joan Littlewood's theatre practice from her early days with the Workers' Theatre Movement in the 1930s to her playground projects in the 1970s, showing the wide scope of Littlewood's output
• Combines extensive historical, social and cultural contextual information alongside detailed analysis of Littlewood's productions and community projects, demonstrating how Littlewood's work responded to changing times
• Makes extensive use of primary archival material, allowing the reader to access material from Littlewood's early notebooks, production files and numerous private and company letters and documents