British Drama of the 90s: In-yer-face theatre

Exam Revision from the year 2005 in the subject English Language and Literature Studies - Literature, University of Cologne (Institut fur Englische Philologie), course: British Drama of the 90s, language: English, abstract: The most frequently used characteristics of in-yer-face theatre are sensation, shock, confrontation, taboo breaking, disturbing, provocative, attacking. It is a theatre of sensation, both actors and spectators are kicked out of the orbit/domain of conventional reactions, touches nerves, provokes alarm. Often such dramas employ shock tactics, or is shocking because it is new in tone or structure, or because it is more experimental than what the audience is used to. It questions moral norms and affronts the dominating ideas of what can or should be shown onstage. It also works with more primitive feelings, smashing taboos, mentioning the forbidden, creating discomfort.