The Politics of Alternative Theatre in Britain, 1968–1990
The Case of 7:84 (Scotland)

Examination of one of the most influential modern theatre companies, 7:84 (Scotland), under the directorship of John McGrath.

Maria DiCenzo (Author)

9780521554565, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 13 November 1996

262 pages, 14 b/w illus.
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.9 cm, 0.521 kg

"...a clearly written and very valuable introduction to a style of radical theatre which still has a lot to teach. ...Maria DiCenzo's welcome study may then be seen as an especially timely reminder of the power of theatre ti inject subversive vitality into the heart of the body politic." Baz Kershaw, Letters in Canada

This book examines one of the most influential modern theatre companies, 7:84 (Scotland), under the directorship of John McGrath. 7:84 (Scotland) has been a vital contributor to the place and importance of alternative theatre on the modern British stage. DiCenzo explores the development of this company, the growth of popular theatre in general within the last twenty years and offers a methodology for analysing records and materials found in theatre company archives and illustrates the many issues inherent in running a theatre company, including venues, practitioners and the politics of funding. The book includes valuable primary source material and informative production photographs and company posters.

List of illustrations
Foreword John McGrath
Acknowledgements
Part I. Methodology and Context: 1. Introduction
producing theatre histories
2. Creating a context: alternative theatre in the seventies and eighties
Part II. A Case Study of 7:84 (Scotland): 3. Anatomy of a popular political theatre company
4. Making socialist theatre: the theory
5. From theory to practice: the plays
Afterword
Appendix: 7:84 (Scotland) productions, 1973–1988
Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Theatre studies [AN]