The book offers an in-depth exploration of the collaborative process behind the creation of Michael Gow's play, Toy Symphony. It emphasizes the extensive research conducted by McAuley, challenging the traditional view of the playwright or director as sole creators. By detailing the contributions of both the director and playwright, the narrative reveals the intricate artistry involved in theatrical production, providing a richer understanding of the dynamics at play in bringing a new work to the stage.
Newly available in paperback, this is a detailed description of the intensive work process involved in the making of Toy Symphony, a play by Michael Gow, directed by Neil Armfield and brought to the stage for the first time in December 2007 by Company B at the Belvoir Street Theatre in Sydney. Drawing on years of research McAuley rejects simplistic notions of playwright or director as 'auteur'. Her account makes possible a more nuanced understanding of the real artistry involved in what it is that the director does and what the playwright contributes to the process.The book is in two parts. The first describes the work process and the complex relations between participants noted by McAuley during her intensive observation of the rehearsal period throughout the run of the production. The second part consists of a number of essays reflecting on aspects of the work observed, and providing a theoretical framework for deeper understanding of the rehearsal practices described. McAuley concludes that contemporary theatre constitutes a highly effective model of group creativity that could be applied in many different institutional contexts.
