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Wise Children Oberon Modern Plays: A Comprehensive Guide to Angela Carter's Lost Masterpiece

Drew Bell

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Angela Carter's Wise Children, which premiered at the Oberon Modern Plays in 1986, is a groundbreaking work of feminist theater that has been hailed as a lost masterpiece. The play is a witty and subversive exploration of female subjectivity, gender roles, and the power of storytelling. It features a cast of unforgettable characters, including Dora Chance, a music hall star who becomes a feminist icon; Nora Chance, her twin sister who is a writer and lesbian; and Melchior Hazard, a charismatic impresario who is both Dora's lover and Nora's mentor.

Wise Children (Oberon Modern Plays)

by Angela Carter

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6065 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	150 pages

Literary Significance

Wise Children is a significant work in the history of feminist theater. It was one of the first plays to explore the experiences of women from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. The play also challenges traditional notions of gender and sexuality, and it offers a powerful critique of the patriarchal society. Carter's use of language is particularly noteworthy. She employs a rich and evocative vocabulary, and she is not afraid to use taboo words and phrases. Her writing is both lyrical and earthy, and it perfectly captures the voices of her characters.

Themes

Wise Children explores a number of important themes, including:

Female subjectivity: The play explores the ways in which women are objectified and marginalized in society. It also celebrates the strength and resilience of women, and it shows how they can overcome the obstacles that they face.
Gender roles: The play challenges traditional notions of gender roles. It shows how women can be both strong and independent, and it also shows how men can be vulnerable and emotional.
The power of storytelling: The play explores the power of storytelling to shape our lives. It shows how stories can be used to empower and inspire people, and it also shows how stories can be used to control and manipulate people.

Characters

Wise Children features a cast of unforgettable characters, including:

Dora Chance: Dora is a music hall star who becomes a feminist icon. She is a strong and independent woman who is not afraid to speak her mind. She is also a talented performer who uses her stage to challenge the status quo.
Nora Chance: Nora is Dora's twin sister. She is a writer and lesbian. She is a more introspective character than Dora, and she often struggles with her own identity. However, she is also a strong and determined woman who is not afraid to fight for what she believes in.
Melchior Hazard: Melchior is a charismatic impresario who is both Dora's lover and Nora's mentor. He is a complex character who is both charming and dangerous. He is a supporter of Dora's feminist ideals, but he is also a manipulator who uses people to get what he wants.

Impact

Wise Children has had a significant impact on contemporary literature. It is considered to be a classic of feminist theater, and it has inspired a number of other works of art, including a novel, a film, and an opera. The play has also been praised by critics for its wit, its originality, and its powerful message. It is a must-read for anyone interested in feminist literature, theater, or postmodernism.

Wise Children is a groundbreaking work of feminist theater that explores the experiences of women from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. It challenges traditional notions of gender and sexuality, and it offers a powerful critique of the patriarchal society. The play is also a celebration of the strength and resilience of women, and it shows how they can overcome the obstacles that they face. Wise Children is a must-read for anyone interested in feminist literature, theater, or postmodernism.

References

Carter, Angela. Wise Children. London: Virago Press, 1991.
Gilbert, Susan. "Wise Children: Angela Carter's Feminist Theater." Modern Drama 32.1 (1989): 1-12.
Moi, Toril. "Feminist, Female, Feminine." The Norton Anthology of English Literature. 9th ed. Vol. 2. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 2012.
Showalter, Elaine. "Toward a Feminist Poetics." The New Feminist Criticism: Essays on Women, Literature & Theory. Ed. Elaine Showalter. New York: Pantheon Books, 1985.

Wise Children (Oberon Modern Plays)

by Angela Carter

4.2 out of 5