Top Girls by Carol Churchill Study Notes

Episode Introduction

  • Professor David Kornhaber introduces the session on Carol Churchill's play "Top Girls"

  • Notable connection to postmodern drama and its evolution in England

Setting the Context

  • Focus on England in the 1980s, specifically Royal Court Theatre in London

  • Royal Court Theatre:

    • Significant for fringe theater, distinguished from the more commercial West End, similar to Off-Broadway in NYC

    • Not related to the Royal family despite the name; existed since the 19th century

    • Transitioned from melodrama to challenging artistic pieces in mid-20th century

Modern vs. Postmodern Theatre

  • The relationship between commercial and fringe theater:

    • Commercial Theater:

      • Centers on profitability (e.g., Broadway)

      • Institutionalized, focuses on catering to masses

    • Fringe Theater:

      • Smaller, more experimental, less commercial viability

      • Examples include storefront or intimate pub productions

Institutional Evolution

  • The Royal Court’s evolution from melodrama to nonprofit model

  • Rise of nonprofit theatres creating a space for challenging work which diverged from mainstream

    • Funded by grants & foundations (e.g., Jerwood Foundation)

  • Shift in theater dynamics moving away from purely commercial motives, focusing on political and artistic relevance

The Structure of Royal Court Theatre

  • Commentary on the physical architecture (orchestra, mezzanine, balcony)

  • Traditional proscenium arch setup not necessarily indicative of the content

  • While not challenging the form physically, the content itself disrupts traditional storytelling structure

Importance of the Attic Space

  • The intimate black box theater at the Royal Court serves as a pivotal creative space

  • Called a "laboratory of theater"—emphasizes challenging, discomfort-inducing works

Analyzing Postmodern Drama

  • Postmodern works challenge audience expectations and critique prevailing norms

  • Audience engagement shifts, with a focus on the critical roles of spectators and their expectations

Introduction to "Top Girls"

  • Play themes revolve around women's empowerment in the workforce amidst 1980s conservatism

  • Connection with Margaret Thatcher’s legacy as Britain's first female prime minister—contextualizes the play's birth

  • Churchill’s intention to scrutinize the means by which women succeed under patriarchal systems

Play's Narrative Structure

  • Starts with a celebratory dinner featuring historical and fictional women

    • Characters: Isabella Byrd, Pope Joan, Lady Nijo, Patient Griselda, and Dahlgret

  • Marlene’s role as a successful headhunter at Top Girls Employment Agency serves as the central narrative

Character Analysis: Historical Guests

  • Isabella Bird:

    • Scottish explorer known for traveling while neglecting family ties

    • Juxtaposition of her pioneering spirit against personal sacrifices

  • Pope Joan:

    • Apocryphal character representing women forced to disguise identity for education

    • Depicts the ultimate sacrifice of personal identity for societal acceptance

  • Lady Nijo:

    • Historical geisha who served the Japanese emperor; viewed her success within the structures of her society despite personal losses

  • Patient Griselda:

    • Character from Chaucer's work, emblematic of subservience and the extreme patience women faced

  • Dahlgret:

    • Folklore character combating the destruction caused by war, symbolizing the fight against patriarchal oppression

Marlene's Toast

  • Marlene celebrates "the way we changed our lives"—suggesting that personal success often comes with deep personal change

  • Reflects dual nature of empowerment and personal sacrifice

Impactful Scenes in the Play

  • Interview segments at Top Girls agency illustrate the challenging experience of women entering the corporate world:

    • Janine: Seeks a high-powered job but is directed to a secretary role due to her attachments; showcases systemic sexism in the workplace

    • Louise: Devotes her life to the job but finds no success, depicting the high cost of ambition without personal balance

    • Shona: Lies to present herself as a competitive candidate; underlines the need to navigate corporate challenges through adaptability

Mrs. Kidd's Confrontation

  • Mrs. Kidd represents traditional female expectations and confronts Marlene about her promotion consequences for her husband, Howard

  • Highlights stark tension between emerging female empowerment and traditional male-dominated narratives

  • Commentary on the system's impact and systemic failures that create conflict between women

Consequences of Marlene’s Choices

  • Marlene is revealed to be Angie’s mother—offering a twist in perspective on motherhood and ambition

  • Reflects on the choices women must make for success and the emotional toll it takes

  • Challenges societal expectations around motherhood and professional success; sharp contrast with male narratives

Final Thoughts and Reflections

  • Concludes with a consideration of the loneliness and sacrifices women endure for success

  • Questions societal structures that dictate and often limit women's agency

  • Invites reflection on the intersection of personal ambition and familial responsibility in today's world