Anthony Neilson is one of the most exciting and challenging voices in contemporary British theatre. For more than two decades he has been in the vanguard of new writing and has acquired a formidable reputation for innovation and experimentation. His major stage plays include Penetrator, The Censor, Stitching, Realism, Unreachable and his 2004 masterpiece The Wonderful World of Dissocia, arguably one of the finest Scottish plays of the new millennium.
This volume provides the first full-length study of Neilson's plays and his innovative rehearsal methodology. As well as providing a detailed account of each play Trish Reid includes an extensive new interview with Neilson and additional contributions from important scholars and commentators in the field. This is essential reading for anyone who wants to develop a better understanding of one of British theatre's most original artists.
Acknowledgements
1. INTRODUCTION: NEILSON IN CONTEXT
2. PART I CRITICAL SURVEY
a. Relationship plays:
i. Normal
ii. Penetrator
iii. The Censor
iv. Stitching
b. Experiments in form
i. Edward Gant's Amazing Feats of Loneliness
ii. The Wonderful World of Dissocia
iii. Realism
iv. Relocated
v. Narrative
c. Seasonal Entertainments and plays for young people
i. Home Edinburgh and The Séance
ii. The Night Before Christmas
iii. The Lying Kind
iv. God in Ruins
v. Get Santa!
d. Neilson as Director
i. The Death of Klinghoffer (EIF 2005)
ii. Caledonia (NTS 2010)
iii. Marat Sade (RSC 2011)
3. PART II PERSPECTIVES
a. Anthony Neilson in Conversation
b. Critical
i. Realism: Unstable Realities and Mental Health, by Anna Harpin (University of Warwick, UK)
ii. Neilson in Rehearsal, by Gary Cassidy (University of Reading, UK)
c. Perspectives on Neilson
i. Dominic Cooke
ii. Vicky Featherstone
iii. Michael Boyd
4. CONCLUSION
5. RESOURCES
a. Chronology of works
b. Glossary of critical terms
c. Further reading
Endnotes
Index
