What value does theatre have in Britain at the beginning of the twenty-first century? How has theatre responded to the challenge of remaining relevant in the media-saturated world of today? These are the questions that underpin this
stimulating study of some of the leading dramatists of contemporary British theatre.
At the Sharp End
sets the scene examining how the forces that created a revolution in theatre fifty years ago have been replaced by a new wave of political and social issues. It goes on to explore the ways in which five key writers have sought to reflect and wrestle with the changing character of modern Britain.
The work of
David Edgar
,
David Greig
Mark Ravenhill
Tanika Gupta
and Tim Etchells' company
Forced Entertainment
is considered, with
recent plays examined in detail
, an
interview with each writer
; and suggestions of other writers and plays for reading and comparison.
provides
the perfect companion for anyone wanting to understand the changing face of contemporary drama
and the writers whose work is making an impact on our stages today.