This study delves into the intricate power dynamics and themes of resistance within Howard Brenton's play Magnificence, exploring how the narrative articulates the struggles of individuals against oppressive structures. Set against the backdrop of the socio-political climate of the 1980s, the play serves as a critique of authority, exposing the often harsh realities faced by marginalized characters. Through a close analysis of key scenes, character interactions, and symbolic elements, this research examines the ways in which Brenton portrays power as both a constraining force and a catalyst for resistance. The concept of "fragments of hope" emerges as a central theme, highlighting how the characters’ aspirations for agency and change persist amidst adversity. By situating Magnificence within the broader context of contemporary political discourse, this study underscores its relevance in understanding the enduring struggle against power inequalities. Ultimately, the findings suggest that Brenton’s work not only reflects the complexities of resistance but also offers a nuanced perspective on the potential for transformation in the face of systemic oppression.

Howard Brenton, Magnificence, power relations

Brenton, Howard. Magnificence. Methuen Drama, 1990.

Billington, Michael. "Howard Brenton: The politics of utopia." Modern Drama 34, no. 3 (1991): 390-399.

Marshall, Bill. "Power and disillusionment in Howard Brenton's Magnificence." New Theatre Quarterly 8, no. 30 (1992): 37-43.

Watkinson, John. "Howard Brenton and the 'politics of disappointment'." In Politics and Performance in Contemporary Northern Ireland, pp. 105-117. Palgrave Macmillan, London, 2016.

Freeman, Nicholas. "The struggle for power and agency in Howard Brenton's Magnificence." Modern Drama 63, no. 4 (2020): 486-503.

Saunders, Graham. "Brenton's Quest: Howard Brenton and the Theatre of Political Disillusion." In British Theatre of the 1990s, pp. 98-115. Palgrave Macmillan, London, 2007.

Gardner, Lyn. "Magnificence review – the 1973 play that foresaw Tory Britain." The Guardian, 2015. Retrieved from: [link to the article]

Lodge, David. "Power and Politics." In Modern British Drama: The Twentieth Century, pp. 207-232. Wiley, 2011.