Introduction to Postmodern Drama
- The drama of the post-war period shares a common spirit with the novels and poetry from the 1950s onwards.
- It focuses on life at its most basic level, stripped of illusions and myths, confronting existential questions without seeking easy solutions.
- All literary forms of this era emphasize facing harsh realities and accepting human suffering, reflecting the unheroic role assigned to man in an absurd universe.
- Postmodern drama sharpens this focus further, daringly innovating in technique and challenging social and moral norms more than its poetic and novelistic counterparts.
John Osborne: Pioneer of the Angry Young Men Movement
Short Bio
John Osborne (1929-1994) revolutionized British theatre with his play "Look Back in Anger" (1956), which challenged middle-class values and introduced a new realism to the stage.
Major Works
- Look Back in Anger (1956): A landmark play that marked the beginning of the Angry Young Men movement.
- Epitaph for George Dillon (1957): Co-written with Anthony Creighton, exploring the struggles of an aspiring actor.
- The Entertainer (1957): Reflects Osborne's critique of the entertainment industry and societal decay.
- Inadmissible Evidence (1964): A psychological drama delving into the turmoil of a middle-aged lawyer.
Philosophy
Osborne's plays confront the bleak realities of post-war Britain, criticizing social conventions and advocating for personal authenticity amidst societal change.
Samuel Beckett: Pioneer of Existentialist Theatre
Short Bio
Samuel Beckett (1906-1989), an Irish playwright based in Paris, is renowned for his existentialist dramas that challenge traditional narrative and form.
Major Works
- Waiting for Godot (1953): A seminal work that explores the human condition through the absurdity of existence.
- Endgame (1957): Reflects Beckett's exploration of the futility of life and the decay of human relationships.
- Krapp's Last Tape (1958): Examines memory, identity, and the passage of time through a reflective monologue.
- Not I (1973): A minimalist monologue focusing on consciousness and the limitations of language.
Philosophy
Beckett's plays portray a world devoid of meaning and order, where characters grapple with isolation, memory, and the passage of time with bleak humor and poignant introspection.
Tom Stoppard: Playwright of Intellectual Wit
Short Bio
Tom Stoppard (1937-present) is a Czech-born British playwright known for his intellectual depth and wit, often blending philosophy, science, and literature in his works.
Major Works
- Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead (1966): A meta-theatrical exploration of Shakespeare's "Hamlet" through the eyes of two minor characters.
- Arcadia (1993): Interweaves two timelines, exploring chaos theory, mathematics, and the nature of knowledge.
- The Coast of Utopia (2002): A trilogy that delves into Russian intellectuals and the philosophical debates of the 19th century.
- The Real Thing (1982): Explores the complexities of love and authenticity amidst theatrical and personal deceptions.
Philosophy
Stoppard's plays combine intellectual rigor with wit, questioning the nature of reality, knowledge, and human relationships through layered narratives and rich dialogue.
Comparative Analysis: Osborne vs. Beckett
- Osborne's plays focused on immediate social issues and personal rebellion, reflecting the contemporary British society.
- Beckett's works delved into deeper existential and philosophical questions, often challenging the conventional perception of time and reality.
- Both playwrights contributed significantly to the postmodernist movement, each in their own distinct ways.
- Beckett's influence was seen as foreign due to his association with French literature, while Osborne became a rebel within Britain's established theatrical traditions.
Post-50's Playwrights
John Arden: Provocative Playwright of the 60s
Short Bio
John Arden (1930-2012) emerged in the 60s as a leading voice among provocative playwrights known for his anti-establishment themes and Brechtian influences.
Major Works
- Live Like Pigs (1958): Explores societal norms through the lens of gypsy life.
- Serjeant Musgrave's Dance (1959): Anti-militaristic drama blending Brechtian techniques with music-hall elements.
- Left-Handed Liberty (1965): Critique of societal freedoms.
- The Island of the Mighty (1972): Mythical exploration of British identity.
Philosophy
Arden's works challenge respectability and authority, advocating for social change through theatrical provocation.
Arnold Wesker: Champion of Working-Class Voices
Short Bio
Arnold Wesker (1932-2016) was a playwright whose work focused on class struggle and social injustice.
Major Works
- The Kitchen (1959): Explores class dynamics in a restaurant setting.
- The Wesker Trilogy (1958-1960): Includes Chicken Soup with Barley, Roots, and I'm Talking About Jerusalem, highlighting working-class struggles.
Philosophy
Wesker's socialist beliefs drove his portrayal of the human condition and societal inequalities.
Harold Pinter: Master of Subtle Intrigue
Short Bio
Harold Pinter (1930-2008) was renowned for his enigmatic plays that explored communication breakdowns and psychological tension.
Major Works
- The Birthday Party (1958): Introduces Pinter's themes of menace and uncertainty.
- The Homecoming (1964): A pivotal work exploring power dynamics within a family.
- Old Times (1971), No Man's Land (1975), Betrayal (1978): Further examinations of memory, identity, and betrayal.
Philosophy
Pinter's plays often depict the fragility of human relationships and the underlying tensions beneath seemingly ordinary interactions.
Joe Orton: Bold Satirist and Social Critic
Short Bio
Joe Orton (1933-1967) was known for his provocative comedies that challenged societal norms and hypocrisy.
Major Works
- Entertaining Mr. Sloane (1964): Dark comedy exploring themes of desire and deceit.
- Loot (1966): Satirical critique of authority and morality.
- What the Butler Saw (1969): Farce exposing sexual and social hypocrisy.
Philosophy
Orton's plays subvert traditional comedic forms to highlight absurdity and challenge conventional morality.
Tom Stoppard: Intellectual Playwright and Wordsmith
Short Bio
Tom Stoppard (b. 1937) is celebrated for his intellectually stimulating plays that blend wit, philosophy, and intricate narrative structures.
Major Works
- Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead (1967): Meta-theatrical exploration of existential themes within Shakespeare's Hamlet.
- Arcadia (1993): Dual narrative spanning centuries, exploring chaos theory and romanticism.
- The Real Inspector Hound (1968), Jumpers (1972), Travesties (1974): Plays blending intellectual inquiry with farcical elements.
Philosophy
Stoppard's plays often delve into philosophical concepts, challenging audiences to contemplate the complexities of human existence and knowledge.
Edward Bond: Provocative Playwright and Social Critic
Short Bio
Edward Bond (b. 1934) is known for his uncompromising dramas that critique societal norms and explore themes of violence and repression.
Major Works
- Saved (1965): Controversial play depicting the bleakness of working-class life and societal violence.
- Lear (1971): Reimagining of Shakespeare's King Lear, exploring themes of power and cruelty.
- Bingo (1974): Historical drama examining the life of William Shakespeare.
Philosophy
Bond's plays confront audiences with uncomfortable truths about human nature and societal structures, advocating for social change through dramatic expression.
Caryl Churchill: Feminist Playwright and Social Commentator
Short Bio
Caryl Churchill (b. 1938) is known for her innovative plays that challenge gender norms and societal conventions.
Major Works
- Top Girls (1982): Examines feminism and careerism through the experiences of historical and contemporary women.
- Cloud Nine (1979): Play exploring gender and sexual identity through role reversal and satire.
- Serious Money (1987): Critique of capitalism and financial greed in the 1980s.
Philosophy
Churchill's plays challenge traditional narratives and societal structures, advocating for gender equality and social justice.