The Piscator Notebook

The Piscator Notebook is a diary written by Judith Malina while she was a student at the Dramatic Workshop run by Erwin Piscator. The book documents Malina's intensive and idiosyncratic training at Piscators school and is filled with notes on her teachers, fellow students, and New School productions. The book also includes a study of Piscators process and influence, as well as an introduction by performance pioneer, Richard Schechner.

'Theater legend Malina has written one of the most interesting studies of the avant-garde theatrical movement published in the last several years.' CHOICE Judith Malina and The Living Theatre have been icons of political theatre for over six decades. What few realise is that she originally studied under one of the giants of twentieth century culture, Erwin Piscator, in his Dramatic Workshop at The New School in New York. Piscator founded the Workshop after emigrating to New York, having collaborated with Brecht to create "epic theatre" in Germany. The Piscator Notebook documents Malinas intensive and idiosyncratic training at Piscators school. Part diary, part theatrical treatise, this unique and inspiring volume combines:

• complete transcriptions of Malinas diaries from her time as a student at the Dramatic Workshop, as well as reproductions of various of Piscators syllabi and teaching materials;
• notes on Malinas teachers, fellow students including Marlon Brando and Tennessee Williams and New School productions;
• studies of Piscators process and influence, along with a new essay on the relationship between his teaching, Malinas work with the Living Theatre and "The Ongoing Epic";
• an introduction by performance pioneer, Richard Schechner.

The Piscator Notebook is a compelling record of the genealogy of political theatre practice in the early 20th Century, from Europe to the US. But it is also a stunningly personal reflection on the pleasures and challenges of learning about theatre, charged with essential insights for the student and teacher, actor and director. 'Piscator is the greatest theatre man of our time.' Bertolt Brecht