For two years now the Belgian theatre NTGent and the Berlin based Verbrecher Verlag have been
publishing the series The Golden Books: Books on the theory and practice of contemporary
performance art on individual plays and general social questions. For the 5th volume after
months of cultural lockdown when live arts were in a state of emergency and the whole
institution rethought their priorities NTGent asked more than 50 of the most influential
artists and intellectuals in the world the question: Why theatre? Why is this art form so
unique so beautiful so indispensable? From classical theatre to performance art and dance
from activism to political theatre and the performativity of everyday life authors of all
continents and generations delivered short essays memories manifestos letters. Moments of
aesthetic epiphany meet strong emotion critical insights into the problems of representation
and populism compete with utopian texts about the theatre of the future: more than 50 voices
about the state of performing arts 2020. An instant encyclopedia of theatre for this and for
any time with contributions by andcompany&Co Tania Bruguera Nora Chipaumire Chto Delat
Extinction Rebellion Susanne Kennedy Angélica Liddell Édouard Louis Rabih Mroué Toshiki
Okada Alain Platel René Pollesch Tiago Rodrigues Kirill Srebrennikov Botho Strauß Miet
Warlop and many many more.
