The Methuen Drama Handbook of Women in Contemporary British Theatre

Dr Marissia Fragkou editor Rebecca Benzie editor

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Publishing:6th Feb '25

£130.00

This title is due to be published on 6th February, and will be despatched as soon as possible.

The Methuen Drama Handbook of Women in Contemporary British Theatre cover

This is the first study that maps the breadth of theatrical work produced by women in early 21st-century British theatre by focusing on key debates and questions from fresh critical perspectives.

This handbook provides a detailed exploration of the rich and diverse theatrical work produced by women in the first two decades of 21st-century British theatre.

The book explores key issues and methodologies relevant to women working in the UK’s theatre industry, including the legacies of feminism and its role in shaping contemporary work by women, the politics of visibility and inclusion in theatrical institutions, and collaborative strategies in creating original work. It closely examines how women in contemporary British theatre tackle urgent social issues such as environmental risk, the representation of marginalized identities and mental and physical wellbeing.

Chapters by both established and early-career scholars from a variety of international contexts present new perspectives on significant questions and issues underpinning women’s work in 21st-century British theatre by engaging with contemporary debates from theatre and performance studies and cultural theory. A concluding roundtable with women theatre practitioners addresses key questions pertaining to their work, including working conditions, the politics of funding and of ageing, disability and care.

With a foreword by the Guardian’s chief theatre critic, Arifa Akbar, and featuring research tools such as introductions to sections, a detailed list of sources and an annotated bibliography, this is an authoritative study for anyone with a keen research interest in the distinct contribution of women to contemporary British theatre and performance.

My enthusiasm for this collection only grew as I read it. It’s got a sophistication and expansiveness that affirms that not only does gender still matter to analyses of theatre but also establishes that the work of British women theatre artists in the twenty-first century has breathtaking range. * Sara Freeman, Professor of Theatre Arts, University of Puget Sound, USA *
Epic in scope and politically energising, this theatre anthology makes a compelling case for why and how "gender still matters" - creatively, critically and theoretically. A must read for students and scholars of contemporary British theatre and those invested in making a feminist difference in and out of the industry. * Elaine Aston, Professor Emerita, Lancaster University, UK *
Awide-ranging anthology focusing on women’s theatre making as writers, directors, performers, scenographers, vocal artists and more during the first two decades of the 21st century. Chapters explore well-established past and present voices as well as lesser-known women theatre makers. Significantly, this book provides an excellent model of how to take an inclusive stance by creating spaces for discussions of the work of trans women and non-binary people. * Lynette Goddard, Professor of Black Theatre and Performance, Royal Holloway, University of London, UK *

ISBN: 9781350360259

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: unknown

448 pages