Cool Britannia? British Political Drama in the 1990s

The 1990s were a defining moment for British theatre history. Drawing on new research and existing studies, this is a readable introduction to the variety of evolving and often contradictory styles of political drama that emerged during this decade. Cool Britannia creates a broad critical framework for approaching the drama of this period, examining both the work of established playwrights as well as the so-called 'In-Yer-Face' generation of young writers. Comprehensive and engaging, this invaluable volume: analyses a wide range of dramatists, from Pinter, Hare and Churchill to Kane, Greig and Ravenhill, explores central themes, including: the impact of capitalism and globalization; cultural politics and issues of nationhood; constructions of gender and race, draws on leading scholars to interrogate and move beyond already received views from this significant period of theatre history. This much needed and wide-ranging introduction to the period is essential for all those interested in studying Contemporary British Theatre. Book jacket.