Contemporary Issues in Canadian Drama

David E. Kemp is a professor of drama at Queen’s University and the
author of The Pleasures and Treasures of the United Kingdom.

This collection of 15 essays by some of Canada’s most innovative and
progressive theatre academics and professionals admirably refutes the
charge that theatre is elitist and socially irrelevant. The most
stimulating of the contributions examine dramatic works that are steeped
in social relevance. Particularly noteworthy are Susan Bennett’s
performance critique of Djanet Sears’s “Afrika Solo”; Agnes
Grant’s review of Native drama; Ann Wilson’s examination of the
culture of abuse; and Alan Filewod’s study of Michael
Hollingsworth’s ambitious treatment of Canadian history in his cycle
of plays.