INTRODUCTION

This book is concerned with the evolution and development not of ‘women’s theatre’, but more specifically of ‘feminist theatre’, defined as political theatre oriented toward change, produced by women with feminist concerns, a definition which is challenged, revised and expanded in these pages. The study focuses on British feminist theatre groups and individual practitioners working since 1968 in relation to contemporary feminist theory and critical practice, and also in relation to the social and economic circumstances of the period. While most examples are taken from British feminist theatres, international comparisons and contrasts are drawn where appropriate.