The dialectic of Top Girls is wide-ranging, covering universal
dilemmas facing women, but focuses on major themes of contemporary
life. The critique of feminist ambitions is a clear central theme
and Churchill's selection of women from the past and modern world
shows sympathy for the feminist cause and disdain for the male
oppressor, but there is no sentimentality an no comfortable
solution is offered for their problems.
Marlene hosts a dinner party in a London restaurant to celebrate
her promotion to managing director of 'Top Girls' employment
agency. Her guests are five women from the past: Isabella Bird
(1831- 1904) - the adventurous traveller; Lady Nijo (b1258) - the
mediaeval courtesan who became a Buddhist nun and travelled on foot
through Japan; Dull Gret, who as Dulle Griet in a Bruegel painting,
led a crowd of women on a charge through hell; Pope Joan - the
transvestite early female pope and last but not least Patient
Griselda, an obedient wife out of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. As
the evening continues we are involved with the stories of all five
women and the impending crisis in Marlene's own life. A classic of
contemporary theatre, Churchill's play is seen as a landmark for a
new generation of playwrights. It was premiered by the Royal Court
in 1982.
General
Imprint: |
Methuen Drama
|
Country of origin: |
United Kingdom |
Series: |
Modern Classics |
Release date: |
June 1984 |
First published: |
June 1984 |
Authors: |
Caryl Churchill
|
Dimensions: |
198 x 129 x 6mm (L x W x T) |
Format: |
Paperback - B-format
|
Pages: |
87 |
Edition: |
New Edition - New Edition |
ISBN-13: |
978-0-413-55480-2 |
Categories: |
Books >
Language & Literature >
Literature: texts >
Drama texts, plays >
General
|
LSN: |
0-413-55480-5 |
Barcode: |
9780413554802 |
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