What techniques does John Godber use in his plays?
Imagination, elliptical language, character and transitions are four key elements of Godber’s early work. These are concepts of ‘Action Theatre’ that students should be aware of, as seen in Teechers, Bouncers and Shakers.
Who influenced John Godber?
Godber was not only inspired by the working class people, gender stereotypes, conservative government, unemployment rates and his life at school, but also by an English actor, author, playwright and theatre director called Steven Berkoff.
What inspired John Godber to write shakers?
The influences on Shakers clearly come from Bouncers and Up ‘n’ Under by John Godber, which won Comedy of the Year in 1984, and also from the early work of Steven Berkoff. Godber is a fan of Berkoff and liked the physical, actor-centred nature of his work.
What is the plot of Bouncers by John Godber?
As one of the most performed plays of the twentieth century, Bouncers is set in and around a northern nightclub called Mr Cinders, with the action focusing on the exploits of the four doormen and their customers.
What style is John Godber?
Godber’s earlier style utilises an interest in German Expressionism, an economic and physical style inspired by this and the inspiration of Bretton Hall Head of School (Drama) John Hodgson. His later and more naturalistic style reflects his growth as a member of the middle classes and an Ayckbournesque world of drama.
What did John Godber believe in?
Godber believes in theatre for the masses and so explores universal themes in his plays. He believes in the theatre as an instrument of social change for the better. Using comedy to engage the audience but also to make them think.
What has Godber written?
However, Godber is perhaps better known as a playwright and his credits include Bouncers, On the Piste, Shakers Re-stirred, Bouncers – 1990s Remix, The Office Party, Passion Killers, Reunion, Our House, Funny Turns, The Debt Collectors and Losing the Plot.
Why was the play shakers written?
Shakers was first presented by the Hull Truck Theatre Company at Spring Street Theatre in 1984. Thus came the impetus to write Shakers – a play that would provide strong physical theatre roles and exciting multi-role playing for four women.
What is John Godber’s style?
What type of play is Bouncers?
Bursting with imagination and wit and presented by just four actors, Bouncers is an outrageous and hilarious parody of the disco scene. The four brutish bouncers of the title portray over twenty different characters as we are invited for a night out on the town.
What did Godber believe about theatre?
What is John Godber known for?
Godber is best known as the brains behind the Hull Truck Theatre Company which he joined as Artistic Director in 1984. He’s also produced some of the most popular stage plays of the last 20 years including ‘Bouncers’, ‘Teechers’ and ‘Up ‘n’ Under’, all of which draw on his Yorkshire roots.
What kind of work does John Godber do?
He is known mainly for his work in theatre but has also directed and written a number of plays for television. He is now one of the most performed writers in the English language. He trained as a drama teacher at Bretton Hall College, later working as Head of Drama an Minsthorpe High School.
How old was John Godber when he became Artistic Director?
In 1984, at the age of 26, he was appointed Artistic Director of the Hull Truck Theatre Company: Up n Under being the first play specifically written for his new employer. It later won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Comedy.
When did John Godber become Professor of drama?
His plays are performed across the world, Bouncers (1977) being the most popular. In 2004 he became a visiting professor of Popular Theatre at Liverpool Hope University. He has also been professor of drama at Hull University.
Where does the John Godber company produce plays?
The John Godber Company, which has a base in East Yorkshire has a number of production outlet opportunities; often producing national tours out of Theatre Royal Wakefield, and partner-productions at Hull New Theatre and East Riding Theatre amongst others.