The Theatre of Caryl Churchill (Critical Companions)

'The Theatre of Caryl Churchill' documents and analyses the major plays and productions of one of Britain's greatest and most innovative playwrights. Drawing on hundreds of never-before-seen archival sources from the US and the UK, it provides an essential guide to Churchill's groundbreaking work for students and theatregoers. The Theatre of Caryl Churchill documents and analyses the major plays and productions of one of Britain's greatest and most innovative playwrights. Drawing on hundreds of never-before-seen archival sources from the US and the UK, it provides an essential guide to Churchill's groundbreaking work for students and theatregoers. Each chapter illuminates connections across plays and explores major scripts alongside unpublished and unfinished projects. Each considers the rehearsal room, the stage, and the printed text. Each demonstrates how Churchill has pushed the boundaries of dramatic aesthetics while posing urgent political and theoretical questions. But since each maps Churchill's work in a different way, each deploys a different reading practice - for many approaches are necessary to characterise such a restlessly imaginative and prolific career. Through its five interlocking parts, The Theatre of Caryl Churchill tells a story about the playwright, her work, and its place in contemporary drama Cover page Halftitle page Series page Title page Copyright page Dedication page PERMISSIONS Contents PREFACE AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: THE THEATRE OF CARYL CHURCHILL CHAPTER 1 CHURCHILL’S LANDSCAPES Top Girls The Skriker Far Away CHAPTER 2 DERIVATIVES; OR CAPITALISM AND THE THEATRE Owners Serious Money: A City Comedy A Dream Play CHAPTER 3 IDENTITY AND THE BODY Cloud Nine Icecream (with or without Hot Fudge) A Number CHAPTER 4 THE AESTHETICS AND POLITICS OF COLLABORATION Light Shining in Buckinghamshire Fen Mad Forest: A Play From Romania CHAPTER 5 PERFORMANCE AND/AS THEATRE Traps Blue Heart Love and Information CHAPTER 6 OTHER CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES The ‘Picasso’ of Modern British Playwrights Elaine Aston ‘The Times’ of Caryl Churchill’s Theatre Siân Adiseshiah EPILOGUE: EXIT THE AUTHOR APPENDIX A ALPHABETICAL LIST OF CHURCHILL WORKS DISCUSSED APPENDIX B CHRONOLOGICAL LIST OF CHURCHILL PRODUCTIONS DISCUSSED NOTES AND REFERENCES INDEX This is a detailed study of the work of Britain's leading female playwright that will be invaluable for student and theatre-goers. It maps her work through five key areas that characterise her broad-ranging output, and includes a close study of seventeen of the principle plays. It also features a number of essays by leading scholars.