An Event in Space: The Rehearsing and Directing Techniques of Joanne Akalaitis Book

Other than a handful of essays in anthologies and an occasional mention in introductory college textbooks, little has been published on Akalaitis. She is one of America's foremost independent theatre directors, yet no book-length study exists on either the director herself or on Mabou Mines. Akalaitis's systematic approach to working with actors, however, has yet to be explored and elaborated upon in print. This book may provide a valuable introduction to the work of this important theater artist, locating it within the historical context of the American avant-garde theater movement of the past three decades. Moreover, by balancing step-by-step descriptions of Akalaitis's rehearsal exercises and directing techniques with critical analysis, the book speaks not only to theater practitioner but also the many theater scholars and audience members curious about a director whose work has often been misunderstood.