Trouble on the Waves

Abstract

The post-Referendum United Kingdom is divided by deep-rooted socio-political issues while many different social groups feel misrepresented or unheard in the political arena. As inimical stereotypes pervade the contemporary discourse between these groups, an antagonistic dimension can be ascribed the present political climate. The role of theatre is examined in relation to Brexit-related issues, in which the themes of national identity, issues of race and ethnicity play an important role. Theoretical concepts pertaining to these themes, described in postcolonial theory and political philosophy, have been applied to three post-Referendum theatre productions. The presence of nationalism, racial discrimination, ethnocentricity and transculturation in the plays show a clear engagement with British socio-political divisions in the context of Brexit. The display of emotions in relation to collective and personal identities offer opportunities for alternative modes of identification, which is in agreement with the discursive role of theatre in agonistic politics.