A new book from theatre critic Maryam Philpott (The Reviews Hub, Cultural Capital) gives an in-depth assessment of the work of playwright and screenwriter James Graham.
Taking a thematic approach under the ‘state of the nation’ umbrella, Philpott demonstrates how Graham’s body of work reacts to and cuts through concerns in British politics, culture, and perception.
It is a weighty book, coming in at over 290 pages. Surprisingly, it was written without any direct collaboration with Graham,utilising printed interviews and textual quotations to explore a pattern in his writing.
Philpott’s love of theatre in its own right shines through. Graham’s work, numbering plays, TV films and series, and even the book for a musical, seems thematically wide at first glance, but this book explores what lies beneath.
Graham’s work is very much in the public eye at the moment. In the last year alone, three plays (Best of Enemies, Dear England and Boys From The Blackstuff) have transferred to the West End. On television, Sherwood and The Way have been on our screens.
Yet, until this book, he may not have been considered by the general viewer as a major voice on British politics, economics and ethics. Philpott sets to change that perception.
Inevitably, I gravitated to the sections discussing plays and TV I had seen, while making a mental note to at least try and read the others. Monster Raving Loony possibly feels very prophetic right now.
Philpott draws out Graham’s ability to “consistently and clearly [articulate] contemporary disillusionment with the effectiveness of the State to solve problems it has been directly responsible for causing”.
She recognises that politically-focused works such as Our House and The Vote are set up to challenge as well as entertain audiences. These are plays of our time, while also depicting the divisive role of the mass media.
This is a book in which dipping in and out may be advised rather than reading cover to cover. Sections such as ‘Democracy’ and ‘Famous Faces’ allow themes to be mined and discussed – interesting reading if you have seen the works quoted.
Perhaps more for students and a academics than general consumption, this book nevertheless is a useful cross-disciplinary addition to literature on theatre and the current world by which it is inspired.
James Graham – State of the Nation Playwright is published by Palgrave and is available now at major booksellers.
