Summary of Contemporary British Literature and Drama
Contemporary British Literature and Drama: Student Guide
Introduction
20th-century British theatre underwent radical transformations: from naturalistic realism through politically engaged and epic theatre to absurdity and experimental 'In-Yer-Face' work. This material will present the main movements, key authors and their works, differences between the movements, and practical examples of how to recognise and apply these principles when analysing a theatrical text or production.
Definition: Realism – a theatrical movement striving for a credible depiction of social life and ordinary characters on stage.
Main Trends and Movements
Realism and Social Drama (late 19th – first half of the 20th century)
- Bernard Shaw (1856–1950): social issues, comedic elements, staunch socialist, influenced by Ibsen.
- Key Works: Mrs Warren’s Profession (written 1893, premiered 1902), Major Barbara (1905), Saint Joan (1923), Pygmalion (1912–13).
- Characters and Motifs: conflict between societal norms vs. individual morality, language as a social indicator (exemplified by Eliza Doolittle and Prof. Henry Higgins).
Definition: Social Drama – A play that exposes and critiques social injustices and institutions through conflicts between characters.
Epic Theatre and Political Intentions
- Bertolt Brecht and the influence of his epic theatre on the British stage: Verfremdungseffekt (the alienation effect) aims to motivate the audience to analyze, rather than to become emotionally absorbed.
Table: Comparison of Realist and Epic Theatre
| Characteristics | Realism | Epic Theatre (Brecht) |
|---|---|---|
| Goal | Audience identification | Audience critical thinking |
| Style | Illusionistic acting | Interruption of illusion, commentary |
| Plot | Linear, psychological | Plot as a series of episodes, didactic |
Theatre of the Absurd
- Main Influences: Brecht, vaudeville, Dadaism, Surrealism, Existentialism, the experience of World War II.
- Samuel Beckett (1906–1989): anti-novel Murphy (1938); absurdist drama with characteristic features: circularity, linguistic decay, plot reduction, table symbolism.
- Key Works: Waiting for Godot (Paris 1953; London 1955), Endgame (1957).
- Characters: Vladimir, Estragon; Hamm, Clov, Nagg and Nell.
Definition: Theatre of the Absurd – A theatrical movement that reflects the existential meaninglessness and communication failures of modern humanity through illogical plots and repetition.
Kitchen Sink Realism and the British Post-War Scene
- John Osborne and the so-called angry young men introduced a realistic portrayal of social problems, working-class life, and domestic conflicts.
- Key elements include: naturalistic sets, open conversational language, generational and social conflicts.
Pinter and "Comedy of Menace"
- Harold Pinter (1930–2008): The Birthday Party (1958), The Caretaker (1960), The Homecoming (1964).
- Style: "Pinteresque" – tension between the ridiculous and the menacing, brief dialogic exchanges, pauses, and unspoken threats.
- "Comedy of menace" = drama based on the clash of dominance and subservience hidden within everyday conversation.
Tom Stoppard and Intellectual Theatre
- Tom Stoppard (1937–): works exploring philosophical problems, playing with literary and philosophical allusions.
- Key Works: Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead (1966), Arcadia (1993), Rock ‘n’ Roll (2006).
- Characteristics: emphasis on language, engagement with epistemology, metafictional elements.
Other Contemporary Authors and Movements
- Alan Ayckbourn (1939–): middle class, dark comedic undertone (Absurd Person Singular, House and Garden).
- Michael Frayn (1933–): shift from black comedy to intellectual plays; Copenhagen (1999) – the play's structure reflects principles of quantum physics (Bohr and Heisenberg).
- Christopher Hampton (1946–)
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British Theatre of the 20th Century
Klíčové pojmy: Bernard Shaw championed realistic social drama and institutional critique., Brecht's Verfremdungseffekt encourages critical thinking over emotional identification., Theatre of the Absurd uses repetition and circularity to express existential powerlessness., Pinter's "comedy of menace" explores power, dominance, and interrupted dialogue., Tom Stoppard combines philosophy and comedic wit in intellectual plays., 'Kitchen-sink' realism depicts the everyday problems of the middle and working classes., In-Yer-Face theatre shocks and provokes to stimulate public discussion., In 'Copenhagen,' Michael Frayn connects dramatic structure with the principles of quantum physics., When analyzing a play, identify its movement, historical context, and directorial choices., Comparing styles facilitates the recognition of directorial and linguistic techniques in a production.