English Literature
The phrase “kitchen sink dramas” refers to dramas that are set in ordinary domestic settings and the writers’ use normal working class families in the play. The dramas show the real and trashy side of life as well as being politically and socially orientated. The British habitually use this genre of drama, as the Americans tend to produce dramas which are less gloomy and depressing. Although they are somewhat depressing, many people think that they allow us to be grateful of our own lives, as we do not live in such an environment like presented in the drama. In the late 1950s in Britain, the “Kitchen Sink movement”, which is also known as “Kitchen Sink realism” occurred. This cultural movement stemed from ideas about working class activities. A typical writer of kitchen sink dramas is John Osborne, for example his drama “Look back in anger” which aroused many strong opinions when it was first performed as a drama. It is set in a small flat in the west midlands, which is typical of working class people. Many people walked out of the performance since it was not at all like they expected it to be. People were used to light hearted banter, but this play is predominantly about working class activities and the mood is generally very depressing.
