Contemporary Theatre to me is the practise and production of theatre performances which break the bonds of the 'norm' within theatre. This can be by the incorporation of dance, movement or even digital-like props (projections). Ultimately, they are post 1950's plays written about issues of that time which are easily adaptable or available for translation in society today.
We were given many plays to read both as a class and by ourselves, the list is as follows:
'One for the Road' by Harold Pinter
- An unnamed totalitarian state torments in turn a tortured prisoner, his wife and child. First performed at the Lyric Theatre Studio, Hammersmith, in March 1984.
'Sing Yer Heart Out for the Lads' by Roy Williams
- Fueling the xenophobic tensions is the blind venom of Lawrie, captain of the pub team; the articulate propaganda of Alan, active member of a anti-immigration party; and the hatred of Glen the landlady's son, bullied and confused. The dialogue snaps with alarming authenticity in William's challenging play about what it meas to be British, and how people define it- whether it is a bulldog tattoo, or violence against those who don't fit in.
'Motortown' by Simon Stephens
- This play premiered in 2006 at the Royal Court Theatre, London.
Danny returns from Basra to an England that is foreign to him, the play's episodic structure leading him through a bleak and bitter portrait of the country he fought to save. His brother tells him that his ex-girlfriend doesn't want to see him after being frightened by the letters he wrote home. Danny visits her only to find she is now with someone else, sending him on a journey through his once hometown, a place of questionable morals and men selling guns, anti-war protesters and middle class swingers.
Danny returns from Basra to an England that is foreign to him, the play's episodic structure leading him through a bleak and bitter portrait of the country he fought to save. His brother tells him that his ex-girlfriend doesn't want to see him after being frightened by the letters he wrote home. Danny visits her only to find she is now with someone else, sending him on a journey through his once hometown, a place of questionable morals and men selling guns, anti-war protesters and middle class swingers.
'Pornography' by Simon Stephens
- Britain feels like the centre of the world. World-changing politics, gigantic charity concerts, the chance to host the Olympics; everything's happening, and everyone's talking about it. In schools, offices, streets, shops, parks and homes - there's a buzz in the air, a sense of anticipation. The world's eyes are focused on Britain and you can feel the energy and possibilities. Bu in less that an hour in central London, everything will change.
'Shopping and Fucking' by Mark Ravenhill
- The play opened at the Royal Court Theare, London, in 1996 and is central to the 90's movement sometimes called 'in-yer-face theatre'. 4 main characters from pop stars are used to show them buying, selling and stealing whatever they can - drugs, sex and ready meals. Mark used to work in the City but now is a recovering junkie; after a topless audition for a shopping channel Lulu is asked to sell ecstasy by her interviewer; Gary, who has been sexually abused by his step-father, is an underage prostitute looking for someone to fulfil his violent fantasies; Robbie tried to make enough to pay the threatening landlord by setting up a phone sex line with Lulu.
'Hang' by debbie tucker-green
- A crime has been commited. The victim has a choice to make. The criminal is waiting. A shattering new play about one woman's unspeakable decision.
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