Feminism, Dramaturgy, and the Contemporary British History Play

When we think of the contemporary British history play, why might we automatically think of playwrights such as David Hare, Howard Brenton, Peter Gill and Edward Bond? Because for decades the writing of the history play has been the preserve of the white male.

This book, therefore, provides a vital feminist intervention into the dramaturgy of history plays, investigating work produced at major British theatres from 2000 to the present, written by a generation of innovative women playwrights.

This much-needed study explores the use of history - specifically Elizabethan, Restoration, Victorian and early 20th century - in order to interrogate gender politics. Within the framework of contemporary feminism - including the pivotal #metoo movement - the book looks at post-2000 feminist drama that somehow represents the past.

Through delving into the recurring tropes and their politics in the light of current feminist debate, the author helps us grasp how these plays essentially re-imagine gender politics.

Focusing on the work of female playwrights whose work engages with questions of historiography and presents historical women, the author investigates the dramatic work of Jessica Swale, Helen Edmundson, Ella Hickson, Tanika Gupta and Rona Munro, among others. Where possible, she has interviewed the playwrights to understand further their process.

Plays that are considered include Emilia (Morgan Lloyd Malcolm), Swive (Hickson), Queen Anne (Edmundson), An August Bank Holiday Lark (Deborah McAndrew), The Empress (Tanika Gupta), Red Velvet (Lolita Chakrabarti) and Scuttlers (Rona Munro).