Kevin Hobbs – författare

The new edition of Playbuilding as Arts-Based Research details how playbuilding (creating an original performative work with a group) as a methodology has developed in qualitative research over the last 15 years.

The second edition substantially updates the award-winning first edition by making connections to current research theories, providing complete scripts with URL links to videos, and including a new section with interviews with colleagues. Chapter 1 provides an in-depth discussion of the epistemological, ontological, axiological, aesthetic, and pedagogic stances that playbuilding takes, applying them to research in general. The value of a playful, trusting atmosphere; choices of style, casting, set, and location in representing the data; and pedagogical theories that guide participatory theatre are highlighted. Chapter 2 discusses how Mirror Theatre generates data, structures dramatic scenes, and conducts live and virtual participatory workshops. Chapter 3 is a thematized account of interviews with 23 colleagues who employ variations of playbuilding that show how playbuilding can be applied in a wide range of contemporary contexts and disciplines. Chapters 4 through 9 describe six projects that address topics of drinking choices and mental health issues on campus, person-centred care, homelessness, the transition to university, and co-op placements. They include both a theme and a style analyses and workshop ideas. Chapter 10, new to this edition, concludes with quantitative and qualitative data from audiences attesting to the efficacy of this approach.

This is a fascinating resource for qualitative researchers, applied theatre practitioners, drama teachers, and those interested in social justice, who will appreciate how the book adeptly blends theory and practice, providing exemplars for their own projects.

The new edition of Playbuilding as Arts-Based Research details how playbuilding (creating an original performative work with a group) as a methodology has developed in qualitative research over the last 15 years.

The second edition substantially updates the award-winning first edition by making connections to current research theories, providing complete scripts with URL links to videos, and including a new section with interviews with colleagues. Chapter 1 provides an in-depth discussion of the epistemological, ontological, axiological, aesthetic, and pedagogic stances that playbuilding takes, applying them to research in general. The value of a playful, trusting atmosphere; choices of style, casting, set, and location in representing the data; and pedagogical theories that guide participatory theatre are highlighted. Chapter 2 discusses how Mirror Theatre generates data, structures dramatic scenes, and conducts live and virtual participatory workshops. Chapter 3 is a thematized account of interviews with 23 colleagues who employ variations of playbuilding that show how playbuilding can be applied in a wide range of contemporary contexts and disciplines. Chapters 4 through 9 describe six projects that address topics of drinking choices and mental health issues on campus, person-centred care, homelessness, the transition to university, and co-op placements. They include both a theme and a style analyses and workshop ideas. Chapter 10, new to this edition, concludes with quantitative and qualitative data from audiences attesting to the efficacy of this approach.

This is a fascinating resource for qualitative researchers, applied theatre practitioners, drama teachers, and those interested in social justice, who will appreciate how the book adeptly blends theory and practice, providing exemplars for their own projects.

“Wonderful stories and in-depth information you will normally never find in books about trees.”Piet Oudolf, Landscape Designer and creator of the planting design for New York’s High Line“Entwining fascinating facts about 100 trees with inspiring stories of their importance to ancient civilizations, trade, religious and pagan beliefs, wellbeing and medicinal uses over the ages, this delightful and well-researched book provokes curiosity on every page.”Dr. Alexandra Wagstaffe, Eden Project LearningThe Story of Trees takes the reader on a visual journey from some of the earliest known tree species on our planet to the latest fruit cultivars.The chosen trees have all had a profound effect on the planet and humankind. Starting with the Ginkgo biloba, fossils of which date back 270 million years, we learn about how trees came to be integral to the development of our species, and how specific trees have become important religious, political, and cultural symbols.With beautiful illustrations by Thibaud Herem and fascinating botanical facts and figures, this book will appeal to tree lovers from all over the world. “Within these pages, we hope to inform and inspire those who already have a love of trees, as well as those who otherwise may have taken them for granted. The Story of Treesis our story, but also that of our ancestors. It is about our relationship with some of the world’s most important trees, both on a local scale and globally. With so many trees to choose from, we have endeavored to feature those that have been, and in most cases continue to be, of cultural and practical value to humankind.”-From the Introduction of The Story of Trees