Caryl Churchill & Top Girls

Who is the playwright of the play "Top Girls"?

Caryl Churchill

When did "Top Girls" open in London and Off-Broadway

London: August 1982; Off-Broadway: December 1982

What is the significance of "Top Girls" in Caryl Churchill's career?

It established her as one of the most important playwrights of the late 20th century.

What award did "Top Girls" win in 1983?

The Obie Award for Best Play of the Year

Who was the inspiration behind "Top Girls"?

Margaret Thatcher

What is the occupation of the protagonist, Marlene?

She is the management director of an employment agency called Top Girls.

Name five historical women characters who appear in Act I of "Top Girls."

Isabella Bird, Lady Nijo, Dull Gret, Pope Joan, Patient Griselda

What themes are discussed by the historical women in Act I?

Rape, sex, pregnancy, losing children, and the subjugation of women throughout history

Who does Marlene interview in Act II for a job at Top Girls?

Jeanine

Why does Marlene restrict Jeanine's job options in Act II?

Because Jeanine is getting married and Marlene assumes she won't travel.

Who are Angie and Kit, and how are they related?

Angie is Joyce's daughter, and Kit is her best friend. They are like sisters.

What is Angie's plan regarding her aunt Marlene in Act II?

She plans to visit Marlene in London, believing that Marlene is her real mother.

What is Marlene's political affiliation, and how does it conflict with Joyce's beliefs?

Marlene is a conservative who supports Margaret Thatcher, while Joyce believes in socialism.

What revelation about Angie's parentage occurs in Act III?

It is revealed that Marlene is Angie's biological mother.

How does Joyce react to Marlene's offers of child support in Act III?

She refuses to accept them, despite being poor and struggling.

What is the nature of the argument between Joyce and Marlene in Act III?

They argue over family responsibilities, politics, and Marlene's prioritization of her career.

What does Angie's reaction to Marlene's presence reveal at the end of Act III?

She is scared and seems to have had a frightening experience.

How many acts does the play originally have?

Two acts

What is the setting of Act I in "Top Girls"?

A restaurant where Marlene hosts a dinner party.

In Act II, where does most of the action take place?

In the Top Girls office during job interviews.

What is the nature of the argument between Joyce and Marlene in Act III?

They argue over family responsibilities, politics, and Marlene's prioritization of her career.

What is Marlene's occupation in Act III?

She is a career woman who works for Top Girls.

What is the significance of the historical characters in Act I?

They represent different facets of women's experiences throughout history.

How does Marlene's treatment of Jeanine reflect her attitude towards women's roles?

She limits Jeanine's job options based on assumptions about her personal life choices.

What does Angie's desire to see Marlene in Act II suggest about her relationship with Joyce?

She feels disconnected from Joyce and seeks a connection with her biological mother.

How does the conflict between Joyce and Marlene reflect broader social and political tensions?

It represents the clash between conservatism and socialism, as well as the sacrifice of family for career success.

What role does feminism play in "Top Girls"?

It critiques the notion of women's advancement in a patriarchal society.

How does Churchill use surrealism and non-linearity in "Top Girls"?

To challenge conventional narrative structures and explore complex themes.

What does the title "Top Girls" signify?

It refers to successful career women like Marlene who rise to the top of their professions.

What is the symbolic significance of the dinner party in Act I?

It represents a gathering of influential women from different historical periods.

How does Marlene's attitude towards Angie change throughout the play?

Initially dismissive, Marlene becomes more empathetic towards Angie's situation.

What themes does Caryl Churchill's work often explore?

Feminism, oppression, and abuse of power

What was Churchill's first major play, and what was it about?

"Owners," about gentrification and displacement in a London suburb

Which play by Churchill explores the politics of sexuality, gender identity, and colonialism?

"Cloud Nine"

What is the central philosophy of second-wave feminism?

"The personal is political," meaning that personal experiences are shaped by broader political systems.

Who was Margaret Thatcher, and what was her significance?

She was the first female Prime Minister of the UK and a prominent figure in conservative politics.

How does Churchill describe Thatcher in relation to feminism?

Churchill suggests that although Thatcher was a woman, her policies did not necessarily support feminist goals.

What was Churchill's first major play, and how long did it take her to write it?

"Owners," written in three days after a miscarriage.

What feminist theatre group did Churchill collaborate with in the 1970s?

Monstrous Regiment