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Where to Belong: Oberon Modern Plays Explores Identity, Displacement, and Connection

Kelly Blair

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Published in Where To Belong (Oberon Modern Plays)

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In an era marked by rapid globalization, mass migration, and social upheaval, the concept of "belonging" has become increasingly complex and contested. Oberon Modern Plays, a leading publisher of contemporary drama, has delved into these intricate themes with its latest anthology, "Where to Belong." This collection of eight thought-provoking plays explores the challenges and triumphs of individuals and communities seeking a sense of place and connection in a world that is often alienating and fragmented.

Exploring the Themes of Displacement and Identity

At the heart of "Where to Belong" lies a profound exploration of displacement and its impact on human identity. In Stef Smith's "Human Animals," a young woman grapples with the aftermath of losing her family in a terrorist attack, questioning her own sense of self and belonging. Philip Ridley's "Shivered" follows two siblings who are forced to flee their war-torn homeland, their memories and identities shattered by the trauma of exile.

Where to Belong (Oberon Modern Plays)

by Mary Allen

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3158 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	37 pages

The plays also delve into questions of cultural diversity and the challenges of assimilation and integration. Alice Birch's "Revolt. She Said. Revolt Again." centers around a group of women from different backgrounds who find themselves in a detention center, their dreams and aspirations colliding with the harsh realities of a society that often marginalizes them.

Characters in Search of Connection

The characters in "Where to Belong" are not merely victims of circumstance, but complex and resilient individuals who actively seek connection and belonging. In Neil LaBute's "The Way We Live Now," a group of strangers form a tentative community in the aftermath of a disaster, but their relationships are tested by the weight of their past traumas.

Sarah Kane's "Cleansed" explores the darker side of human nature, as a group of tortured individuals struggle to find redemption and connection in a world that seems devoid of hope. Yet, even in the face of adversity, the plays offer a glimmer of hope, as the characters strive to transcend their circumstances and find a sense of belonging.

The Power of Storytelling and the Theatrical Experience

The plays in "Where to Belong" are not only intellectually stimulating but also deeply moving and cathartic. The anthology highlights the power of storytelling to illuminate the human condition and to foster empathy and understanding among audience members. Through the visceral and immersive experience of live theatre, audiences are invited to confront their own assumptions and prejudices, and to engage in critical dialogue about the complexities of identity, displacement, and belonging.

"Where to Belong" is an essential anthology for anyone interested in contemporary theatre, social issues, and the human search for connection. Oberon Modern Plays has once again showcased its commitment to publishing thought-provoking and challenging works that reflect the complexities of our time. This collection is a powerful reminder that a sense of belonging is not something that can be taken for granted, but something that must be actively nurtured and fought for in a world that is often divided and fragmented.

Whether you are a seasoned theatre-goer or a newcomer to the art form, "Where to Belong" is an anthology that will leave a lasting impact on your mind and heart. Through its exploration of identity, displacement, and connection, this collection offers a profound and timely meditation on the universal human longing for belonging.

Where to Belong (Oberon Modern Plays)

by Mary Allen

5 out of 5