Heathcote's techniques in the classroom, the pedagogy of drama, are explained in this book, along with analyses of her improvisations with young people. The author's goal is to share with teachers how they, using Heathcote's methods, can generate significant learning experiences.
Read on a trip to and from Philadelphia. I got pretty carsick on the bus, but the detailed accounts of Heathcote's classroom dramas were excellent company. 17th century sailing ship voyages, the loss and discovery of a medieval document over hundreds of years, run-ins with a tramp named Tom Crow, and other episodes beside all commonly occur in Heathcote's classrooms. Illuminating and inspiring.
"I have never pulled myself across a deck that was trying to swamp me overboard, but I know what rope feels like, and I know I would want to survive."
An interesting read. Good if youre going to be working with younge children and have no experience of theatre or acting at all. In regards to working with older chasten or adults then I think only parts of this book are relevant.