Keith Johnstone: A Critical Biography

“Keith Johnstone is so off-the-charts original and creative it’s hard to express. He taught me more about secret human behaviors, status transactions, and how to employ them in my work than any other person in my life, with startling results. This book is a noteworthy contribution to the knowledge of this rare and wonderful man and is to be snatched up and digested immediately!” – Peter Coyote, Actor/Writer

“Whether it’s devising with Improbable, improvising with the Comedy Store Players, or directing at the Metropolitan Opera, every aspect of my work is profoundly influenced by Keith Johnstone’s teaching. In this book, Dudeck offers a frank, inspiring account of Keith’s path, articulates the deeply held passions at the centre of his methodology, and situates Keith and his work in its proper place: at the heart and creative wellspring of modern theatre.” – Phelim McDermott, Director/Actor/Writer

“Chronicling the mind and works of one of the great teachers of our age is no small task. Prof. Dudeck has given us a window into the world of Keith Johnstone’s life and pedagogy. Attending Keith’s workshops opened new vistas in social psychology for me decades ago . . . and his original views on status have become foundational ideas in the social sciences. I rejoice that readers of all ages can now stand in his classroom.” – Philip Zimbardo, Ph.D., professor emeritus of psychology, Stanford University