Second wave

Name for the time period in the history of English drama, caused by sociopolitical changes at the end of the 1960s.

Political Changes

In 1986 there was a huge sociopolitical revolution in the British society that had influenced the change in the English drama, especially in the theatre. At this several factors were essential for this modifications.

Until 1968 the representation of violent, blasphemous and sexual improper scenes was censored by Lord Chamberlain. After this law was abolished young playwrights had more freedom for their original intentions and could show the previous taboos.

Another influence for the authors was the revolt of the students in 1968. The politicisation of drama together with the removal of taboos caused emancipation in English theatre because now themes like e.g. individuality and gender relationships made it more realistic.

Women Playwrights & Fringe Theatre

The role of gender and feministic influence were not only themes in the works of male playwrights. Women in the theatre reached more prestige and dramatists like e.g. Caryl Churchill could break with traditional gender roles. In Cloud Nine (1979) for example she showed postmodern permutation of gender roles and debunked the connection between the British colonial mentality and the sexual oppression.

Not only women but also other themes like the situation of the workers, the minorities and the homosexuals were characteristic for the fringe theatre. This form of theatre was established in 1968 and functions as an alternative to the traditional theater because the plays were performed on small stages in the suburbs, basements and factory buildings. This form also influenced the legitimate stage.

Electronic Media

The last factor that could be categorized into the Second Wave was the close correlation of the English drama and the electronic media. This form of media was not only a way to reflect the plays critically but also to use it as element within the play e.g. to show film sequence on stage.

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References

Englische Literaturgeschichte. ed. Hans Ulrich Seeber. 4th ed. Stuttgart/Weimar: J.B. Metzler, 2004. p. 392-394.