Babbage, Frances (2000) Re-visioning myth : feminist strategies in contemporary theatre. PhD thesis, University of Warwick.

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Abstract

This thesis examines the strategy of re-visioning myth within contemporary European
feminist theatre, a strategy which has proved popular over time and across cultures but
which has received insufficient critical attention. This study seeks to fill that gap by
offering a framework through which this practice can be considered, exploring the
diverse motivations of individual playwrights, and evaluating the achievements of
particular plays in context. Twelve case studies are included, grouped together to
demonstrate a variety of approaches to re-visioning ranging from utilisation of myth as
pretext for examination of social issues, to an apparent abandonment of contemporary
reality for a utopian otherworld. However, it is argued first that mythical, social and
psychological strands remain intertwined, and second that the diversity of approaches
reflects the importance for feminist theatre of selecting strategies to meet specific needs,
and that these strategies can thus be viewed as complementary rather than in conflict.
Chapter One introduces selected critical perspectives on myth, re-visioning and feminist
theatre, framing these within Rita Felski's model of the feminist counter-public sphere.
Chapter Two discusses plays by Hella Haasse, Franca Rame and Sarah Daniels, which
examine myth as ideological narrative. Plays by Maureen Duffy, Caryl Churchill and
David Lan, and Timberlake Wertenbaker, considered in Chapter Three, investigate
myths of female violence. Chapter Four looks at plays by Andree Chedid and Angela
Carter which use myth to confront women's complicity in maintaining the status quo.
Plays by Serena Sartori, Renata Coluccini and Helene Cixous, discussed in Chapter
Five, offer psychological investigations into women's relationships with myth,
language and power. The thesis concludes with a summary of the research findings,
and assesses their significance.

Item Type:	Thesis or Dissertation (PhD)
Subjects:	P Language and Literature > PN Literature (General) > PN2000 Dramatic representation. The Theater
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Feminist theater -- Europe, Mythology in literature
Official Date:	January 2000
Dates:	Date Event January 2000 Submitted
Institution:	University of Warwick
Theses Department:	Department of Theatre Studies
Thesis Type:	PhD
Publication Status:	Unpublished
Supervisor(s)/Advisor:	Cousin, Geraldine ; Chamberlain, Franc
Extent:	ii, 231 leaves
Language:	eng

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