Community theatre is an important device for communities to collectively share stories, to participate in political dialogue, and to break down the increasing exclusion of marginalised groups of citizens. It is practised all over the world by growing numbers of people. Eugene van Erven, one of the world's foremost experts on Asian political theatre, has put together the first comparative study of the work and methodological traditions which have developed in community theatres around the world. It's an incredibly wide ranging study based on van Erven's own experiences working with community theatre groups in six very different countries. Together with a unique video record of van Erven's journey, specially produced to accompany the book, each chapter provides: * a sociological impression of the relevant country * a brief history of the community theatre there * a guide to the country's overall arts scene * background of the featured artists * a case study of a specific community theatre project. This introductory guide is an invaluable resource which you can't afford to be without if you're studying or working in the field of community theatre.