Kicking Up a Storm

With the right people around you following the same dream, can you really change the world? The sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll frenzy of the counterculture movement is brought vividly to life in this often hilarious, uncensored account of a hippie theatre troupe in 1970s Aotearoa New Zealand.
In their gaily painted old bus, the 'troupies' brought their disruptive, sometimes scandalous, brand of performance to parks and theatres, streets and beaches. The Living Theatre Troupe story, told by the people who made it happen, embraces political satire, psychedelic rock circus, nudity and an innocent optimism based on peace, love and flower power. But it also shows how theatre, as part of the anti-war protest movement, challenged social attitudes and helped change the politics of the time.
Drawing on diary excerpts and interviews, this inspirational book gives a startling glimpse of Kiwi culture, 'can do' spirit and ancient Maori traditions set against a backdrop of The Lord of the Rings landscapes. The bigger story resonates beyond theatre. It concerns the importance of belonging; how we build on what has gone before us and how we pass on a powerful legacy to those who come after us - as captured in the Maori concept of whakapapa (genealogy)

Ken Rea is Professor of Theatre at Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London and artistic director of Koru Theatre. He began as a professional actor and director in New Zealand, working with some of the country's leading theatres and on television as well as running his own company, The Living Theatre Troupe. In addition to his work at Guildhall, he has taught in the national drama academies of China, Indonesia, India, Italy, New Zealand and Canada. He has also worked as a movement coach with many theatres including the Royal Shakespeare Company.

List of Illustrations Preface: The Arrival PART ONE: Our World Chapter 1: The Beginnings Chapter 2: The Counterculture PART TWO: What We Did Chapter 3: Birth of the Troupe Chapter 4: Life Style Chapter 5: Tours and Shows Chapter 6: On the Road Chapter 7: Back on the Road Chapter 8: The Turning Point Chapter 9: Our Moment in the Sun PART THREE: What We've Become Chapter 10: What We Shared Chapter 11: Making Sense of It Chapter 12: The Departure Postscript Appendix 1: List of Shows Appendix 2: List of the Troupies Further Reading Index