The situation of the female playwright in the contemporary theatre scene

Abstract

Critical theorist Mark Fortier, in the section of his book Theory/Theatre: An Introduction titled ‘Feminist and Gender Theory’, has claimed that ‘[n]o theoretical approaches have had as much impact in the last thirty years or so as those concerned with gender and sexuality’ (Fortier 2002: 107) – i.e. feminism. A recurring issue that has appeared at several different points throughout the development of feminist theatre theory is that of the distinct gap in the production of male and female-written plays. By using seminal texts by authors such as Judith Butler, Elin Diamond, and Sue-Ellen Case as the basis on which to study contemporary works, this dissertation aims to analyse the works of contemporary female playwrights and performance makers; comparing them to works by men, and looking at how contemporary audiences, theorists, directors and critics receive these works. It will also explore various devices and strands of feminist theory and their application to these contemporary works. Finally, this dissertation will assess the situation of the female playwright not only in the contemporary theatre scene, but at the most recent manifestations and realities of women in theatre at this stage of the twenty-first century. Whether or not one day it is possible to say that equality for individuals of either (or neither) gender in any aspect of the theatre has been achieved, one cannot say for sure. However, what is clear is that there are individuals who are working very hard - and some who have been working hard for a long time - to achieve this equality.