In the past few years, playwrights have begun to tackle difficult topics like sexual exploitation and systemic oppression more directly than ever before. While these issues have been explored in literature for centuries, it is only recently that they are being addressed through theatre. In this article, I will discuss how playwrights use their craft to depict both subjects and what impact their work has had on audiences.
We need to define sexual exploitation and systemic oppression. Sexual exploitation refers to any situation where one person takes advantage of another's vulnerability or lack of power to coerce them into unwanted sexual activity. This can range from catcalling on the street to rape, human trafficking, or even child pornography. Systemic oppression, meanwhile, describes an institutionalized form of discrimination where members of marginalized groups are denied access to opportunities due to factors outside of their control such as race, gender, disability, age, or class.
When writing about these topics, playwrights often use the same techniques that writers employ when addressing other challenging subjects - realism, symbolism, metaphor, and irony. Realistic drama focuses on creating a world that feels authentic and relatable, allowing the audience to connect with characters who experience similar struggles to their own lives. Symbolism uses objects, images, or behaviors to represent deeper meanings beyond the surface level of the story. Metaphors compare two seemingly unrelated things to show similarities between them. Irony is used to highlight contradictions within the text by juxtaposing opposites.
One example of a playwright using all three techniques in tandem is Lydia R. Diamond's "Stick Fly," which follows an African American family grappling with issues of identity and privilege during a weekend visit at their vacation home. The play features characters who have experienced sexual exploitation firsthand, including a young man dealing with the aftermath of a violent assault and his mother struggling to come to terms with her husband's infidelity. These experiences are portrayed through dialogue that feels realistic yet poignant, symbolized by references to slavery and oppression, and contrasted against the upper-class lifestyle the family enjoys thanks to its wealth and status.
Another successful example of this approach can be found in Sarah DeLappe's "The Wolves." This play centers around a high school girls' soccer team preparing for a big game while discussing topics like sex, gender, politics, and social media. Through these conversations, we learn that some players have been victims of sexual violence or harassment, while others feel pressured to conform to societal expectations about femininity and beauty. At the same time, they also grapple with the systemic obstacles that stand in their way of achieving success, such as racism and classism. By combining realistic dialogue with thoughtful metaphors and irony, DeLappe creates a powerful narrative that speaks to both individual struggles and broader societal issues.
Playwrights use a variety of techniques to explore complex themes like sexual exploitation and systemic oppression on stage. By creating relatable characters and exploring deeper meanings through realism, symbolism, and irony, they allow audiences to engage more deeply with difficult subjects that may otherwise remain unexplored. As theatre continues to evolve, it is likely that playwrights will continue to push boundaries and challenge our perceptions of the world around us.
How do playwrights portray sexual exploitation and systemic oppression in narrative?
While some playwrights may depict sexual exploitation as a result of individual choices, others explore how it is perpetuated by structural forces such as patriarchy or racism. In their works, playwrights often highlight that individuals are not solely responsible for these actions but rather that they exist within larger systems of power. Through characterization, dialogue, and plot development, writers can showcase the complexities of sexual exploitation and its relationship with social hierarchies.