English drama in the 20th century underwent significant shifts and trends that reflected the social, cultural, and political changes of the time. Here are some of the key trends in 20th-century English drama:

Realism and Naturalism (Early 20th Century): In the early 20th century, there was a continuation of the realism and naturalism that had gained prominence in the late 19th century. Playwrights like George Bernard Shaw and John Galsworthy focused on depicting everyday life and addressing social issues through their works. They explored class disparities, women’s rights, and political ideologies, often using satire and wit.

Expressionism (1920s-1930s): Expressionism emerged as a reaction to the horrors of World War I and the disillusionment with traditional forms of storytelling. Playwrights like Eugene O’Neill and Sean O’Casey experimented with distorted settings, heightened emotions, and symbolic language to convey inner psychological states and societal critiques.

Absurdist Theatre (Mid-20th Century): Playwrights like Samuel Beckett, Harold Pinter, and Tom Stoppard embraced the absurdity of existence and the breakdown of communication in a fragmented world. Works like Beckett’s ‘Waiting for Godot’ and Pinter’s ‘The Birthday Party’ challenged conventional narrative structures and examined the human condition through dark humor and existential themes.

Social and Political Theater/Commentary (1950s-1960s): During the post-war period, playwrights began to tackle pressing political and social issues. John Osborne’s ‘Look Back in Anger’ is often credited with launching the ‘angry young men’ movement, critiquing the stagnation of British society. Additionally, plays like Arnold Wesker’s ‘Chicken Soup with Barley’ explored class struggles and the impact of political ideologies.

Feminist Theatre (1960s-1970s): The feminist movement influenced the theater, leading to works that challenged traditional gender roles and explored women’s experiences. Playwrights like Caryl Churchill (‘Top Girls’) and Sarah Daniels (‘Masterpieces’) addressed topics like patriarchy, sexuality, and empowerment.

Postcolonial Theatre (Late 20th Century): As decolonization efforts gained momentum, postcolonial playwrights like Wole Soyinka, Athol Fugard, and Derek Walcott explored the effects of colonialism and cultural identity in their works. Their plays often engaged with themes of oppression, racism, and the clash of cultures.

Physical Theatre and Performance Art (Late 20th Century): Theatre began to blend with other art forms, giving rise to physical theatre and performance art. Companies like Complicite and directors like Peter Brook experimented with movement, imagery, and non-verbal communication to create immersive and visually striking theatrical experiences.

Contemporary Realism and Diversity (Late 20th Century - Early 21st Century): Playwrights like Alan Ayckbourn and David Hare continued the tradition of realism while addressing contemporary issues. Additionally, the theater began to reflect the growing diversity of society, with works by Black British playwrights like Kwame Kwei-Armah and Roy Williams gaining prominence.

These trends demonstrate the evolution of English drama over the 20th century, marked by experimentation, social commentary, and a shifting theatrical landscape.