John Osborne's "Look Back in Anger"

The first of the kitchen-sink dramas, Osborne's masterpiece has been credited with changing the shape and intent of theater forever. Critics have analyzed it, the media has selected such icons as the "angry young man" from it, and educators have used it as a primary source for postwar British social history. Sierz provides educators and producers a solid introduction to the play's background and contexts, including the effects of privation, the reduction of the working class, and conflicting views on what society was supposed to do for the individual. He analyzes the play and its critics, provides a history of its production, and gives advice (based on experience) about workshopping the play. He includes a timeline of events from 1945 to 1960 for reference and provides a list of further reading and references. Annotation c2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)