Review: Revolutionary Women: A Lauren Gunderson Play Collection

Revolutionary Women by Lauren Gunderson is a play collection made up of five different plays, which tell the stories of different revolutionary women from throughout history. This is a great collection of plays if you want to explore modern feminism in theatre but also look at how theatre can bring history to life.

As a teacher, one of the things that really stood out to me was the preface written by Lauren Gunderson. In the preface she really captures her intentions as a playwright. Reading the preface with students will give them a real insight into what it is like to be a playwright and what playwrights should consider when writing a play. For example, the way she talks about what makes a character great will really help enhance students' understanding of what depth is needed when creating characters in their own plays, if playwriting is a route they wish to take. I feel it is rare to get this in-depth insight into how a playwright's mind works and what has inspired them.

The first play in this collection captures the story of French scientist and mathematician, Emilie du Châtelet and the play captures her attempt to answer the question ‘Love or Philosophy’. The play starts with the character of Emily using direct audience address to introduce herself and the question she is trying to unfold. Gunderson captures her intention of the use of imagery throughout the play, such as writing on walls and the use of lighting, through clear stage directions. The use of symbolism is something I would highly recommend exploring with students and this play would, in fact, make an excellent stimulus for the Edexcel A Level due to the various themes and theatre devices used.

The final play in the collection is Natural Shock. This one-woman show is a 60-minute monologue set in the modern day that has themes linked to domestic abuse, gun violence and so much more. It tells the story of a woman called Angela who is stuck in her basement whilst she waits out a ‘tornado’. The use of language at the end of the play changes suddenly and really captures how theatre can be so beautiful yet so sad. This play is a poignant way to end the collection.

I would highly recommend the collection, with the first and last plays being my personal favourites.