Unveiling the World of Kitchen Sink Drama and Angry Young Men

Kitchen Sink Drama Kitchen Sink Drama Dr Shayequa Tanzeel Assistant Professor Department of English DDU Gorakhpur University

Introduction The Kitchen sink drama is the theatrical manifestation of a British cultural movement known as Kitchen sink realism which depicts the banality of domestic life as it is in real life. The term Kitchen Sink School was first used in 1954 by critic David Sylvester for painters who painted scenes and objects of domestic life. The movement developed in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Kitchen sink drama falls under the category of social realism and depicts the living conditions, aspirations and struggles of the British working class. Dr Shayequa Tanzeel 2

Characteristics These dramas feature angry young men or anti-heroes as their protagonists who are disillusioned with the socio-political system. These men are dissatisfied with their lives and hold the system responsible for their miserable living conditions. The harsh realism of the plays explores controversial topics ranging from class divide to abortion and homelessness usually with a socialist perspective. The origins of the style is rooted in social realism, an artistic movement that realistically depicts domestic life of the working class to highlight issues of social concern. Dr Shayequa Tanzeel 3

Angry Young Men The label is applied to a group of educated working and middle class British writers who were writing in the post World War II 1950s. Prominent names include Arnold Wesker, Kingsley Amis, John Wain and John Osborne. These writers were characterised by a disillusionment with the traditional British society. Their writings highlight the issues and struggles of working class individuals and explore subjects of socio-political concern. These playwrights and novelists captured the sense of alienation that resulted in anger, frustration , and disillusionment which was brimming below the surface of British bourgeoise culture. Dr Shayequa Tanzeel 4

Setting and Language Since it depicts the living conditions of the working class Britishers, the plays are most often set in cramped rented spaces with banal objects located in the poorer industrial suburbs in the North of England. Other suburban areas near London were also commonly represented. Look Back in Anger is set in a cramped one room flat, originally an attic, in the Midlands. The only room served as the bedroom, the living room and the kitchen. The language of these plays involves regional dialects and working class slangs associated with the suburban and industrial areas of England. The characters unapologetically express their views and dissatisfaction with the status quo and the upper-class. Jimmy, the protagonist of Look Back in Anger is often seen ranting about Alison s upper-class background and wealthy friends. Dr Shayequa Tanzeel 5

The Setting of Look Back in Anger Source: https://alancurreri.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/f1050015.jpg Dr Shayequa Tanzeel 6

John Osbornes Look Back in Anger (1956) is the first play of the genre which depicted the struggles of working class individuals. The play delineates the struggles and frustrations of an individual who is unable to transcend the socio-economic boundaries. The play is also remarkable for its explorations of a romantic relationship which suffers due to Jimmy s pent up frustration at his inability to transcend the status quo. Dr Shayequa Tanzeel 7

List of Plays Look Back in Anger (1956) by Joh Osborne A Taste of Honey (1958) by Shelagh Delaney Sparrows Can t Sing (1960) by Stephen Lewis Alfie (1963) Bill Naughtan Dr Shayequa Tanzeel 8