AustLit

Theatre Australia (Un)limited examines the structures of post-war Australian theatre: its artists, companies, financial and policy underpinnings. It analyses three 'waves' of Australian theatrical activity after 1953, and the types of organisations which grew up to support and maintain them. 'Subsidy, repertoire patterns, finances and administration, theatre buildings, companies, festivals and notable productions of the commercial, mainstream and alternative Australian theatre are examined state by state, and changes to governmental policy analysed. Theatrical forms comprise not only spoken-word drama, but also music theatre, comedy, theatre-restaurant, circus, puppetry, community theatre in several forms and new mixed-media genres: physical theatre, circus, visual theatre and contemporary performance.' The book provides an overview of the fortunes of Australian theatre as a national enterprise, and an analysis of the 'three waves' essential for the understanding of the New Wave and of contemporary drama. (Adapted from the publisher's website)