Churchill, Caryl - Introduction

Caryl Churchill 1938-

INTRODUCTION

Churchill is one of Britain's foremost female playwrights. Her works are distinguished by unconventional dramatic methods, such as the manipulation of time sequence, a flexible approach to characterization, and the incorporation of elements of prominent literary works or historical events. Acknowledging herself to be both a socialist and feminist, Churchill illustrates the hypocrisy and conflicts inherent within society and culture in works that analyze conventions of behavior and gender roles, the capitalist and class system, the institution of the nuclear family, and most prominently, the status of women in a patriarchal society.