At the Sharp End: Uncovering the Work of Five Leading Dramatists : David Edgar, Tim Etchells and Forced Entertainment, David Greig, Tanika Gupta and Mark Ravenhill

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 At the Sharp End sets the scene examining how the forces that created a revolution in theatre fifty years ago have been replaced by a new wave of political and social issues.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. At the Sharp End 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. Cover CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 1 POINTING AT SHARP ENDS – AN INTRODUCTION Sharpening Up: Reading and Using At the Sharp End 1956: Look Back in Nostalgia? 2006: Looking Forward – in Expectation? Revisiting My Route Time Zones 2 DAVID EDGAR Interview with David Edgar Speaking in Tongues – Politics, Race and Cultural Identity in the Plays of David Edgar 3 DAVID GREIG Interview with David Greig Inhabitants of the Tide Mark: Towards a New Political Poetics in the Plays of David Greig 4 MARK RAVENHILL Interview with Mark Ravenhill ‘We all need stories so that we can get by’ – Sex, Shopping and Postmodern Politics in the Plays of Mark Ravenhill 5 TIM ETCHELLS AND FORCED ENTERTAINMENT Interview with Tim Etchells of Forced Entertainment Falling and Floating in Sheffield – Drunks, Dancers and Late-night Bus Rides: Themes and Strategies in the Work of Tim Etchells and Forced Entertainment 6 TANIKA GUPTA Interview with Tanika Gupta Navigating a Journey Through a Fragile Land – Themes in the Plays of Tanika Gupta CONCLUSION: SHARPENING POINTS A Short List of Recommended Further Reading and Indicative Websites 'At the Sharp End' is a critical examination of the work of five leading dramatists who have made an indelible mark on today's theatre. Peter Billingham introduces and analyses the work of David Edgar, Mark Ravenhill, David Greig, Tanika Gupta and Tim Etchells of Sheffield-based experimental theatre group, Forced Entertainment