Death in modern theatre offers a unique account of modern Western theatre, focusing on the ways in which dramatists and theatre—makers have explored historically informed ideas about death and dying in their work. It investigates the opportunities theatre affords to reflect on the end of life in a compelling and socially meaningful fashion.
In a series of interrelated, mostly chronological, micronarratives beginning in the late nineteenth century and ending in the early twenty—first century, this book considers how and why death and dying are represented at certain historical moments using dramaturgy and aesthetics that challenge audiences’ conceptions, sensibilities, and sense—making faculties. It includes a mix of well—known and lesser—known plays from an international range of dramatists and theatre—makers, and offers original interpretations through close reading and performance analysis.