Book Series
- Applied Theatre Praxis vol. 4
- ISSN Print: 2515-0758
- ISSN Digital: 2515-0766
Copyright
Mark O’Brien; John Cresswell;Published On
2025-06-27ISBN
Language
- English
Print Length
108 pages (vi+102)Dimensions
Weight
OCLC Number
1526653664LCCN
2025465553THEMA
- NHDJ
- ATD
- JMAL
BISAC
- PER011020
- HIS037010
- HIS054000
- SOC050000
- LIT013000
- POL042040
LCC
- PR6103.R458
Keywords
- Peasants' Revolt
- Radical Theatre
- Class Struggle
- Medieval History
- Political Representation
- Katherine Brewed
When Katherine Brewed, a Play
Telling the Story of the Peasants’ Revolt and Today’s New Radical Theatre
- Mark O'Brien (contributions by)
- John Cresswell (author)
In the sweltering heat of 1381, England's feudal foundations trembled as the Peasants' Revolt erupted—a rebellion that would forever echo through history. Triggered by an oppressive poll tax but fuelled by deeper injustices, this uprising saw land workers, artisans, and commoners rise to challenge the authority of landowners, church, and crown. 'When Katherine Brewed' brings this momentous event to life on stage, blending historical fidelity with a bold, radical perspective.
Drawing from chronicles and centuries of literary reinterpretation, this devised play reveals the struggles of the forgotten: those who dared to dream of a world free from exploitation and tyranny. Through the lens of class struggle and solidarity, the story of Wat Tyler, John Ball, and their fellow rebels unfolds, exposing the duplicity of rulers and the undying hope of those who resist.
Echoing the spirit of radical theatre traditions, this play reimagines this medieval rebellion with contemporary relevance, urging audiences to reflect on enduring issues of inequality and power. Both an homage to the past and a rallying cry for the future, this production is as much a tribute to those who fought as it is an invitation to envision a world transformed. Witness history, and the lessons it still holds.
Reviews
The play [...] is an energetic and politically astute reenactment of what is undoubtedly a key episode in English history. [...] Despite its ruthless critique of medieval English society, the play is often very funny. The parallels with contemporary society, though never emphasised, are persistent and troubling. The action is relentless, never flagging for long enough to allow the audience to grow bored. [...] There is much to enjoy in the book, and with its abundant notes and historical referencing, it is a welcome work of theatre on historic themes. The writers and those involved in the development of the play (and the publication) have created a work that seeks to activate communities and use theatre to assess the challenges of the present through the injustices of the past.
Dónall Mac Cathmhaoill
"When Katherine Brewed: a play". Drama Research (2040-2228), vol. 17, 2026. doi:https://doi.org/10.64741/905935ymqezi
Additional Resources
Contents
- Mark O'Brien
- John Cresswell
When Katherine Brewed – a Play
(pp. 13–90)- Mark O'Brien
- John Cresswell
Contributors
Mark O'Brien
(contributions by)Mark is a social researcher and socialist trade union activist based in Liverpool UK. He has authored historical publications covering labour and social movements. His books include Perish the Privileged Orders, a Socialist History of the Chartist Movement, When Adam Delved and Eve Span: A History of the Peasants' Revolt, and Just Managing? What it Means for the Families of Austerity Britain. With John Cresswell he was the recipient of an award from the US based International Herbert Marcuse Society in 2023 for his work in political theatre ... "... at the intersection of the arts and Marcuse's Great Refusal, as a consciousness-raising and labor education theater project in support of labor/community solidarity amidst the current wave of nationwide strikes by students and professors at universities and by workers in other industries across Britain." Presently Mark is working on a book about Marxism and the mind, called The Historical Mind (working title).
John Cresswell
(author)BA Drama and Theatre Studies (Kent University), Post Graduate Certificate of Education (Jordanhill College, Glasgow) and Post Graduate Diploma in Educational Theatre (Central School of Speech and Drama, London). Devisor, performer and writer for Out of Order theatre company touring English Language theatre in East Germany. Actor/teacher with theatreactive educational theatre company - devising, performing and facilitating interactive programmes also devisor/writer/director of touring primary school educational plays. In collaboration with Burnt Mill Arts Academy, its feeder primaries and other community arts groups - devisor, writer and director of several large-scale community plays. He has written four young adult novels and in collaboration with Mark O’Brien, devised, scripted and directed When Katherine Brewed.