This collection of essays examines the specific contribution of British plays to key social, political, and intellectual debates since the year 2000. It explores some of the most pressing and productive concerns that have dominated the public discourse in Britain within the last decade, focusing on their representation in dramatic texts. Following a general introduction to the topic addressed, each essay provides an in-depth analysis of one play, assessing its particular contribution to the debate in question. Rather than offering a comprehensive survey of dramatic forms and authors, the book aims to show how contemporary British drama has developed unique ways to voice certain issues, such as money, the role of science, poverty, religion, terrorism, and others, presenting their complexities and ambiguities with aesthetic as well as emotional appeal.

Dr. Kerstin Frank habilitiert in englischer Literaturwissenschaft an der Universität Heidelberg. Prof. Dr. Caroline Lusin ist Inhaberin des Lehrstuhls Anglistik II (Anglistische Literatur- und Kulturwissenschaft) an der Universität Mannheim.