Contemporary History Play

Benjamin Poore is Professor of Theatre at the University of York, UK. He is the author of Heritage, Nostalgia and Modern British Theatre: Staging the Victorians (2012); Theatre and Empire (2016); and Sherlock Holmes from Screen to Stage (2017). He has also edited the collection Neo-Victorian Villains (2017) and co-edited Contemporary Gothic Drama (2018). Ben's interests include histories of playwriting, literary and neo-Victorian adaptations, and the uses of historical material in theatre-making practices.

• Introduction1.History versus Dramaturgy2.The Biographical History Play3.The Intergenerational History Play4.Polychronic History PlaysCoda: Alternate and Fantastic HistoriesBibliography

An ambitious and engaging study … A crucial text for scholars and students of theatre, as well as for playwrights interested in the interplay between history and drama. Poore’s thorough and insightful analysis provides a valuable framework for understanding how contemporary theatre engages with historical narratives. He broadens the definition of what constitutes a history play and highlights the innovative techniques used by contemporary playwrights. This approach provides a fresh and compelling perspective on a dynamic and evolving genre while challenging conventional critical paradigms and opening new avenues for exploration and analysis. This book will undoubtedly inspire further research and creative experimentation in the field of history plays.