Course Details in 2026/27 Session

Module Title	LH 21st Century British Theatre: New Writing
School	Eng, Drama, & Creative Studies
Department	Drama and Theatre Arts
Module Code	09 29415
Module Lead	Dr Cristina Delgado-García
Level	Honours Level
Credits	20
Semester	Semester 1
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Contact Hours	Seminar-20 hours Guided independent study-180 hours Total: 200 hours
Exclusions
Description	This module examines new developments in British theatre in the 21st century, focusing on a selection of works by emerging authors and those established voices that continue to produce innovative theatre. From the vantage point of the privileged North, the new century symbolically started with the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and has subsequently been defined by the emergence of ‘new wars’ and extremism, the strengthening of neoliberal capitalism, global health emergencies, environmental crisis, new migratory flows and the rise of xenophobia, as well as the return of nationalist ideologies. Digital advancements have also have an impact on understandings/performances of self and community. The module will explore how contemporary British theatre has been thematically and aesthetically shaped by these urgent issues, and will interrogate the ethical and political charge of the works examined. On the other hand, the module will consider what is aesthetically and methodologically new in the selection of works studied, and will explore current debates around ‘new writing’ and ‘theatre-making’.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: Demonstrate an advanced understanding of new trends and developments in contemporary British theatre. Identify the historical, ethical, and political issues explored in specific 21st century British works, and mobilise appropriate theoretical frameworks to explore these. Demonstrate their ability to conduct research to develop independent thought regarding the materials studied in the module. Produce advanced analysis of key 21st century British plays/performances in written assessment, demonstrating a rigorous engagement with primary and secondary material.
Assessment	29415-02 : 4000 word essay : Coursework (100%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessment: 4000-word essay (100%) Reassessment: 4000-word essay (100%)
Other
Reading List