The emphasis in this course is on the contemporary drama produced during the past three decades. The plays have been drawn together with a view to exploring certain interconnections in their themes: territory, property, oppression (political and sexual), the boundaries of the 'normative'. In addition we will examine the historical and cultural in each play as written by the playwright; attention will be paid to the cultural and theatrical milieux from which each play arose, and to the varied presentation methods which the writers choose.

Harold Pinter, Betrayal 1978

Caryl Churchill, Top Girls 1982

David Mamet, Oleanna 1992

Sarah Kane, Blasted 1995 ** will now be : Timerberley Wertenbaker Our Country’s Good 1988