Contemporary British Drama - (Edinburgh Critical Guides to Literature) by David Lane (Paperback)

About the Book

This book offers an extended analysis of writers and theatre companies in Britain since 1995, and explores them alongside recent cultural, social and political developments. Referencing well-known practitioners from modern theatre, this book is an excellent introduction to how contemporary drama is made and analysed.

Book Synopsis

This book provides a critical assessment of dramatic literature since 1995, situating texts, companies and writers in a cultural, political and social context. It examines the shifting role of the playwright, the dominant genres and emerging styles of the past decade and how they are related. Beginning with an examination of how dramatic literature and the writer are placed in the contemporary theatre, the book then provides detailed analyses of the texts, companies and writing processes involved in six different professional contexts: new writing, verbatim theatre, writing and devising, Black and Asian theatre, writing for young people and adaptation and transposition. The chapters cover contemporary practitioners, including Simon Stephens, Gregory Burke, Robin Soans, Alecky Blythe, Kneehigh Theatre, Punchdrunk, Kwame Kwei-Armah, Edward Bond, Filter Theatre and Headlong, and offers detailed case-studies and examples of their work. Key Features* The first book to examine contemporary British drama from the In-Yer-Face era (1995 - 2000) to the present day and track the changes and developments through this period* Extended case-studies of Simon Stephens, Gregory Burke and Caryl Churchill and the last decade of new writing in Britain* Focus on recent adaptation, including Kneehigh Theatre, Punchdrunk, Filter Theatre and Headlong

From the Back Cover

Edinburgh Critical Guides to Literature Series Editors: Martin Halliwell and Andy Mousley This series provides accessible yet provocative introductions to a wide range of literatures. The volumes will initiate and deepen the reader's understanding of key literary movements, periods and genres, and consider debates that inform the past, present and future of literary study. Resources such as glossaries of key terms and details of archives and internet sites are also provided, making each volume a comprehensive critical guide. Contemporary British Drama David Lane This book provides a critical assessment of dramatic literature since 1995, situating texts, companies and writers in a cultural, political and social context. It examines the shifting role of the playwright, the dominant genres and emerging styles of the past decade and how they are related. Beginning with an examination of how dramatic literature and the writer are placed in the contemporary theatre, the book then provides detailed analyses of the texts, companies and writing processes involved in six different professional contexts: new writing, verbatim theatre, writing and devising, Black and Asian theatre, writing for young people and adaptation and transposition. The chapters cover contemporary practitioners, including Simon Stephens, Gregory Burke, Robin Soans, Alecky Blythe, Kneehigh Theatre, Punchdrunk, Kwame Kwei-Armah, Edward Bond, Filter Theatre and Headlong, and offers detailed case-studies and examples of their work. Key Features * The first book to examine contemporary British drama from the In-Yer-Face era (1995 - 2000) to the present day and track the changes and developments through this period * Extended case-studies of Simon Stephens, Gregory Burke and Caryl Churchill and the last decade of new writing in Britain * Focus on recent adaptation, including Kneehigh Theatre, Punchdrunk, Filter Theatre and Headlong David Lane is a dramaturg, playwright and freelance lecturer. He w

About the Author

David Lane is a dramaturg, playwright and freelance lecturer. Formerly the Literary Assistant at Soho Theatre and Writers' Centre, he now lives in the South West and works as a dramaturg with regional theatres including the Exeter Northcott, Bristol Old Vic, Theatre West and Theatre Royal Bath. He teaches at Goldsmiths College, Brunel, City University and Exeter University, and has received several commissions to write plays for young people.