Joe Orton 1933 - 1967 is one of the most celebrated British playwrights of the second half of the twentieth century. He rose to fame in the 1960s for his black comedies that satirised the hypocrisies of British society. Orton's works, which include "Entertaining Mr. Sloane”, “Loot” and "What the Butler Saw," often dealt with themes which were controversial for the time, including homosexuality, death and religion. Tragically his writing career was cut short when his partner, Kenneth Halliwell, bludgeoned him to death in the Islington flat that they shared, before committing suicide.
In this talk, Dr Emma Parker will delve into Orton's provocative and subversive writing that outraged and entertained audiences in the 1960s, and explore how his work continues to influence theatre and literature today.
Dr Emma Parker
Dr Emma Parker is an Associate Professor in Twentieth Century and Contemporary Literature, focusing on women and gay writers and issues related to gender and sexuality. Her research is based on the premise that literature has the power to reveal previously unseen truths about the world and inspire social change.
Dr Parker’s research on playwright Joe Orton revived interest in this working class, Leicester-born playwright and gay icon whose provocative black comedies satirised the Establishment and helped to define British counterculture in the 1960s. To mark the 50th anniversary of Orton’s three major plays and his death in 1967, Dr Parker produced a series of prize-winning events, exhibitions and educational resources. Dr Parker’s research has helped to enhance the public understanding of gay history, and has brought Orton’s work to new audiences.
| Ticket | Event time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
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No Ordinary Joe
The Life and Works of Joe Orton |
18:30 - 20:30 | £12.00 |
Address
The Century Club, 61 - 63, Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 6LQ
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Piccadilly Circus (Tube)
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