This unique account of community-based theatre - theatre created by professionals working with communities - challenges the mainstream history of New Zealand theatre. Rebellious Mirrors looks at the early production of theatre in Aotearoa/New Zealand, investigates the experimental period of the 1970s, which is seen as searching for an authentic role, portrays the beginnings of Maori theatre, and gives a comprehensive portrait of a field of work during the period 1990-2010: work that took place within the contradictory framework of neo-liberalism. Paul Maunder has had a life-long career in New Zealand theatre, beginning in experimental group theatre, exploring political and bicultural theatre, with occasional forays into the mainstream, before becoming committed to community-based theatre.