Spanning more than three decades, the illustrious career of David Hare is marked by a prolific output of over twenty stage plays and a host of screenplays. His works are renowned for weaving together the tapestry of intense personal dramas with a sharp critique of conservative politics in Britain. Among his most celebrated and acclaimed creations are Plenty (1978), A Map of the World (1982), and his riveting trilogy that scrutinizes British social institutions: Racing Demon, for which he garnered both an Olivier and a Tony Award after its 1990 debut, Murmuring Judges (1991), and The Absence of War (1992). The poignant Skylight (1995) is also a testament to his extraordinary talent.

Beyond crafting plays and screenplays, David Hare has established himself as a distinguished director and a thoughtful essayist, contributing to various newspapers, magazines, and anthologies. His own collection, Writing Left-Handed (1991), offers a glimpse into his contemplations on his dramatic works, such as The Secret Rapture, alongside his insights into the rich history of British theatre and his analyses of contemporary political issues.

In the nascent stages of his career, Hare was grouped with other British "political" playwrights like Howard Brenton, Edward Bond, Snoo Wilson, and Howard Barker, all of whom delved into the political undercurrents shaping British society. To explore their contributions, one might turn to Howard Brenton’s The Romans in Britain (1980), Edward Bond’s provocative Saved (1965), Snoo Wilson’s The Glad Hand (1978), or Howard Barker’s compelling The Loud Boy’s Life (1980).

Margaret Thatcher’s tenure as Britain’s Prime Minister from 1979 to 1990, the longest of the twentieth century, profoundly influenced the nation’s political and cultural landscape. This impact is vividly echoed in the works of writers like David Hare. Ian Gilmour’s Dancing with Dogma: Britain under Thatcherism (1992) offers a critical examination of Thatcher’s administration, shedding light on the drawbacks of her economic, foreign, and social policies.