video record
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Description
The final programme in the series of four about television fiction, Politics of Drama, begins with the argument that all television output is political before going on to question why some kinds of... drama - plays with left-wing views - have attracted this label. In a discussion at the I.C.A. playwright Trevor Griffiths and director Ken Loach raise issues about progressive drama and the institutional constraints on its production. The programme is divided into four sections, with clips from the following dramas. 1) What are the advantages and limitations of naturalistic drama? (Cathy Come Home, Z Cars). 2) What does progressive realism mean and how does the critique of realism in the course reader apply to it? (Days Of Hope, The Cheviot, The Stag And The Black, Black Oil). 3) How does the single play slot construct alternative or art drama? (Vote, Vote, Vote For Nigel Barton, The Parachute, Country). 4) What are the potentialities of popular drama - series and serials? (Bill Brand, Angels, Rock Follies). The programme contains interviews with Trevor Griffifths, Ken Loach, and John McGrath (author of The Cheviot, The Stag And The Black, Black Oil and Artistic Director of the 7:84 Theatre Company), as well as the producer and script editor of Angels. Descriptions of the extracts, television listings, and questions for discussion are contained in the broadcast notes.
Metadata describing this Open University video programme
Module code and title: U203, Popular culture
Item code: U203; 08
First transmission date: 19-06-1982
Published: 1982
Rights Statement:
Restrictions on use:
Duration: 00:49:17
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Producer: Susan Boyd-Bowman
Contributors: Tony Holland; Ken Loach; John McGrath; Julia Smith; Janet Woollacott; Trevor Griffiths
Publisher: BBC Open University
Keyword(s): Art television; Convention; Naturalistic drama; Progressive realism
Master spool number: 6HT/73900
Production number: FOUP087A
Videofinder number: 1229
Available to public: no