As all you Theatre-Gurus will know, Peter Brook is one of the most influential theatre directors and practitioners in modern drama. The Empty Space gives the reader an insight into what is certainly a great, great mind; and explores the application of this golden-philosophy towards modern theatre through eloquent reasoning and some fascinating and charming anecdotes.
The chapters circum-navigate the quintessential purpose and nature of theatre, pull apart those elements of modern-day production and philosophy that withhold the theatre from fulfilling its purpose most effectively and discuss means by which theatre perhaps might (read 'must') develop in order for that purpose to be fully achieved. The core to Brook's thematic idea is the theory that the essential reason theatre exists is to awaken in an audience an understanding of the human condition they were previously unable, or unwilling, to apprehend.
Brook challenges the reader to look at theatre from a different perspective, and implores audiences not to focus on the flashing lights, thumping basslines and special effects of 'deadly' modern day West-End smash-hits but on the 'holy' power of just an Empty Space or stage, filled gradually with the creativity of actors and actresses free to stamp their own imaginations on the bare bones of a perfectly crafted text.
The Prompt would thoroughly recommend this publication as a 'must-read' to any individual studying dramatic art in any capacity (be it acting or directing), however this is a book that will be hugely appreciated by absolutely anyone with a passing interest in theatre. Pick it up from www.amazon.co.uk today!
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