Off Book

An edited collection of essays exploring ways that theatrical devising supports and defies higher education’s institutional goals.

In the theatre industry, “off book” refers to the date by which performers are to have memorised their lines and will no longer carry their play script—the “book”—on stage. But for the authors of this volume, the question is not when the book needs to be memorised, but why is there a need to be “on” book in the first place?

Practitioners of devised performance choose to compose live performances from scratch rather than follow instructions in someone else’s script. Educators of devised performance prefer to practice learning, too, as a generative and creative process that can never be confused with mere memorisation.

In its usual context, “off book” implies that theatre is (literally) authorised by the book—the dramatic text—that represents its essential core or contains its meaning. Yet the “book” is not essential, and the chapters here highlight higher education theatre practices that throw away the “book” altogether, creating space for actors and learners to do more than memorise.

The conventional rules and hierarchies of theatre creation, research, training, and education are not always relevant, or desirable, in these contexts. Instead, the questions and practices that go beyond the “book” matter.

Lively and engaging, Off Book will be a valuable and unique resource for university students, drama educators, theatre historians, and practising devised theatre artists.