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Impro: Improvisation and the Theatre
 
 
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Impro: Improvisation and the Theatre (Paperback)

by K. Johnstone (Author) "As I grew up, everything started getting grey and dull ..." (more)
4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (13 customer reviews)

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Product details

  • Paperback: 210 pages
  • Publisher: Macmillan Education Australia (7 Mar 1987)
  • Language English
  • ISBN-10: 0878301178
  • ISBN-13: 978-0878301171
  • Product Dimensions: 20.6 x 13 x 1.8 cm
  • Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
  • Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 684,886 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Product Description

Review
""Impro ought to be required reading not only for theatre people generally but also for teachers, educators, and students of all kinds and persuassions. Readers of this book are not going to agree with everything in it; but if they are not challenged by it, if they do not ultimately succumb to its wisdom and whimsicality, they are in a very sad state indeed . . . .Johnstone seeks to liberate the imagination, to cultivate in the adult the creative power of the child . . . .Deserves to be widely read and tested in the classroom and rehearsal hall . . .Full of excellent good sense, actual observations and inspired assetions."
-"CHOICE: Books for College Libraries


Reviews Gate (August 2007)
'If you don't have this book - get it quick... Johnstone's insights are as powerfully clear as ever... It's a treasure trove of ideas and methods; it will ease and enrich work and studies... An invigorating read.' --This text refers to the Paperback edition.
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As I grew up, everything started getting grey and dull. Read the first page
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Customer Reviews

13 Reviews
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Average Customer Review
4.7 out of 5 stars (13 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars a brilliant guide for actors and teachers, 14 Jan 2000
This review is from: Impro: Improvisation and the Theatre (Paperback)
one of those very few books that can change how you work in fundamental ways... Brilliantly funny, thoughtful and perceptive about the ways that teachers deal with their students and the games they unintentionally or unconsciously play with each other in classrooms; highly practical in its sections on mask, narratives, spontaneity, and improvisation; subversive and constructive at the same time. Sadly, very much better than his follow-up 'Impro in storytelling 'which recycles many of the ideas from this. As it says above - buy it, share it...
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17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Unleash your imagination..., 28 Aug 2001
This review is from: Impro: Improvisation and the Theatre (Paperback)
not a very creative summary, but it's true. I've owned this book for a number of years and have kept going back to it for creative impetus. I'm in no way associated with theatre (though I did go once), in fact my career is very humdrum and involves maths, computers and finance! The point is that I've used the books techniques in each of these areas to help boost my creativity. It contains some great techniques and I found the writing very clear, precise and (of course)original. Most books on creativity tend to be very 'uncreative' and keep repeating the same ideas. I'd strongly recommend this book to anyone looking to kick start their imagination in any area.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Human interaction masterclass for everyone, not just improvisers, 4 Jun 2007
By Sami Miettinen "Improver" (London, UK) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   
This review is from: Impro: Improvisation and the Theatre (Paperback)
Keith Johnstone is a visionary in the field of improvisation theatre. His concepts of status hierarchies are ground-breaking. They show that humans, like animals, are at ease with each other when the underlying status hierarchy is understood and undisputed.

However, all kinds of interesting tensions are created when the status hierarchy IS disputed. For actors, this concept from Keith's book is golden:
1) If you want to be seen as a natural performer, you need to know your status in relation to the other humans, and even things around you.
2) If you want to create interesting drama, you and your co-actors need to manipulate your statuses in interesting ways. These dynamic movements and challenges are interesting and funny for the audience.

Keith describes this and much, much more in his fascinating book. The generous use of actual improvisation situations makes the book very hands-on, funny and analytical.

Impro also expands from improvisation acting to such areas as creative writing, teaching and mask and trance work. Even the bits one does not agree with are superbly constructed and offer an insightful view on the sometimes weird and wonderful world of creative minds at work.

The improvisation actors in such shows as "Whose line is it anyway?" or London's Comedy Store borrow many of their techniques from Keith.

This book is one to read, whether you are an actor, spectator or just plain interested in smooth, congruent human interactions. Pure genius.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars one of the best books ever
quite simply awesome. i've never been the biggest fan of theatresports, but this book contains so many concrete insights into the human condition, i found it electric. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Self Help Junkie

5.0 out of 5 stars A rare joy
i'm disappointed to say i discovered this book only after graduating from university; which is a shame as i think Johnstones writing is the sort of thing that would excite any up... Read more
Published 6 months ago by L N Caddick

3.0 out of 5 stars Interesting
This book is interesting and entertaining especially for anyone interesting in, or involved with working in the theatre. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Calamity Lee

5.0 out of 5 stars Truly excellent, both to read and for it's insights
This is an excellent, concise and insightful book that gave me a whole new view of human interaction. Read more
Published 8 months ago by Richard Griffiths

5.0 out of 5 stars More than just a book for actors
I'm an actor but this book is a useful life-guide for anyone who needs a fresh approach. My well-thumbed volume used to accompany me on my travels and also helped me in... Read more
Published on 12 Sep 2006 by Paul R. Norton

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book, recommend it for everyone
If yo are interested in theatre and creative process, YOU MUST GET IT. Never read anything as interesting by far. Read more
Published on 23 Jul 2006 by juancheitor

5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous
Of all the drama theory books I have read, this was certainly the most enjoyable. I found myself reading it as though it were a fictional storybook, thoroughy enjoying every word... Read more
Published on 12 Oct 2005 by Alysa Thomas

5.0 out of 5 stars lost for inspiriation? try this.
a great book for making you think about where you are in theatre.also gives good adeas which you can adapt yourself into your own ideas. Read more
Published on 13 Feb 2002

5.0 out of 5 stars The essential handbookfor anyone wanting to work with Masks
This book is worth buying for the chapters on Mask and trance alone. Johnstone took risks in his work at The Royal Court in the 50's andf 60's before others even thought abut... Read more
Published on 2 Sep 1999

3.0 out of 5 stars A very readable insight into improvisational theatre.
This is an entertaining and useful book for anyone involved in devised or improvised theatre. Johnstone discusses dramatic status, mask work, and the development of narrative... Read more
Published on 22 Feb 1999

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