Dusa, Fish, Stas and Vi by Pam Gems

Dusa, Fish, Stas and Vi by Pam Gems

A bitingly sardonic modern classic, widely regarded as an historic icon of early feminism.

[This] 1976 play by Pam Gems - a picture of female friendship, laced with politics - is worth revivingGems was one of a new wave of playwrights who tackled women's issues in the Seventies, and she did so accessibly. * London Evening Standard *
The real feminist questions are woven through character and dialogue. This lack of didacticism allows us to truly appreciate Gem's soaring witticisms, Gem's utterly poignant last line: "My loves, what are we to do? We won't do as they want anymore, and they hate it. What are we to do?" is certainly not a question that has been answered by time. But it's a question, and a production, that deserves attention. * What's Peen Seen *
Originally written in 1976, Pam Gems' feminist classic Dusa, Fish, Stas and Vi has held up remarkably well. Gems' timelessness lies in her naturalistic style. Though infused with ideology Dusa, Fish, Stas and Vi avoids overtly banging a political drum, instead showing us that the personal is always political. * Stage *
The writing is spiky, contrary, funny, militant, quirky, depressing and exhilarating. It throbs with real life, and ends on a provocative cry of pain. * Arts Desk *
Do we need this play now? In short, yes, we do. Though each character's problem does seem a little contrived and dated at the outset, Gems's treatment of these issues is, in many ways, ahead of its time. * Exuent *
Dusa, Fish, Stas and Vi may be almost 40 years old, but the struggle it depicts continues - There are moments of delirious joy and laughter * Lyn Gardner, The Guardian *

Pam Gems (1925–2011) turned to playwriting after bringing up four children, and went on to enjoy a long association with the Royal Shakespeare Company, from Queen Christina (1977) and Piaf (1978) to Camille (1984), The Danton Affair (1986) and The Blue Angel (1991). Later plays included Stanley (premiered at the National Theatre, starring Antony Sher, which won both the Evening Standard Award and the Olivier Award for Best New Play, and also nominated for a Tony Award for Best Play) and Marlene (nominated for a Tony Award). She also was a prolific adapter of the works of many of the great European playwrights including Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya (Hampstead Theatre), The Cherry Orchard (Crucible Theatre, Sheffield) Ibsen’s The Lady from the Sea (Almeida Theatre) and Lorca’s Yerma (Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester).

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9781783190430
ISBN 10	1783190434
Title	Dusa, Fish, Stas and Vi
Author	Pam Gems
Series	Oberon Modern Plays
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Paperback
Publisher	Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Year published	2013-07-01
Number of pages	72
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.