The first ever comprehensive collection of plays ?in English from Southeast Asia. Features work by eight playwrights from seven countries in Southeast Asia, a region which is experiencing profound change:?Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia and Cambodia.? Southeast Asian Plays ?explores the rich variety of dramatic work that is only beginning to be translated into English. Theatre scripts are merely blueprints for productions, especially in this region. As elsewhere, second productions and revivals are rare, so publication is key to allowing play texts to find a wider international readership. Topics include the global financial crisis, sex workers, traditional v modern values, the role of faith in society, corruption in high places and journalistic ethics. The plays have been selected for performance. Plays: The Plunge by Jean Tay (Singapore) An Evening At the Opera by Floy Quintos (Philippines) Night of the Minotaur by Tew Bunnag (Thailand) Tarap Man by Ann Lee (Malaysia) Dark Rac e by Dang Chuong (Vietnam) Frangipani by Chhon Sina (Cambodia) Picnic by Joned Suryatmoko (Indonesia) Nadirah by Alfian Saat (Singapore) "The editors have done an excellent job of opening up our chances of reading and learning about plays from all over Southeast Asia. ...editorial choices are significant for opening up spaces to voices which are otherwise heard less often. All in all the plays are interesting for the ways in which they grapple with key concerns in their respective societies."? --The Asiatic

From a story by Hans Christian Andersen In ancient China, young emperor Wu is kept a virtual prisoner in his palace by his devious guardian, Li Si. Wu believes the world outside the Forbidden City is an evil and dangerous place. But when Xiao, a young servant girl, tells him of the most beautiful sound on earth – the song of the nightingale – it’s too much to resist. The two embark on an adventure that will take them across mountain tops and waterfalls, past chattering monkeys and magical dragons to the far reaches of his kingdom. When Wu returns with the nightingale, and starts to overturn the old palace customs, Li Si plots to restore things to the way they were before. Featuring puppetry, music and all the colour, movement and spectacle of Chinese theatre, this joyful adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale is a feast for the senses that will delight the whole family. Suitable for ages 6+

The story of a modern Asian young woman trying to straddle Western attitudes and traditional beliefs. You've heard of an Essex Girl or even a Chelsea Girl but what is a Hounslow Girl? The term has become a byword for confident, young Muslim women who are grappling with traditional values, city life and fashion. From the joys of Pakistani weddings to fights on the night bus, Ambreen Razia's? The Diary of a Hounslow Girl ?is a funny, bold, provocative play highlighting the challenges of being a teenage girl in a traditional Muslim family, alongside the temptations and influences of growing up in and around London. “Ambreen’s writing is poetic in its structure and intensity, funny, moving, chilling, and delivered in a style that takes inspiration from spoken word and physical theatre. She has created a rhythm that draws the audience in, as compelling as a thriller, complete with gathering ominousness, shocks and comic relief.” Deborah Bestwick, Director, Ovalhouse “Ambreen Razia’s terrific play is exactly the kind of new work we wish to support in the new home of multi-cultural theatre in London. Hounslow Girl is a wonderfully funny take on a London phenomenon and one audiences will enjoy.” Jatinder Verma, Artistic Director, Tara Arts” "a powerful piece of theatre... Ambreen Razia's performance is astonishing."?BritishTheatre.com "This is a sophisticated, moving and often very funny piece of writing, particularly nuanced in its depiction of Shaheeda's relationship with her mother ... astute in tackling the breakdown of the loving bonds between parent and child that can occur when a child becomes a teenager – and also how this experience can be magnified for the children of first-generation immigrants, whose parents feel distant from their children’s British lives... Razia's script touches on everything from first love to cultural expectations to student-teacher relationships; it’s a bit like an inner-city version of An Education."?The Stage Ambreen Razia is an actress and writer from South London.? The Diary of a Hounslow Girl is Ambreen's debut show which premiered at Ovalhouse in 2015. Passionate about re-establishing British Asian comedy within the UK, she continues to write her comedy sketch show involving two British Asian girls exploring the?clash between traditional Indian/Pakistani culture and modern British life. She is also currently writing her next play POT primarily focusing on the recent comeback of gang culture within the UK.?Performance credits include: On the Middle Day (Old Vic Theatre);? Words and Women (Edinburgh Fringe); Random Acts (Channel 4);? Fair Exchange (Hen and Chickens Theatre);? Variations on a Theme (Camden People's Theatre);? Mind the Gap (National Theatre ); No Guts, No Heart, No Glory? (BBC4/Perth Festival Australia) and Murdered by my Father? (BBC3).

With a foreword by director Ralph Lawson and introduction by Pranav Joshipura, Associate Professor of English, Mahila College, Gandhinagar, India. A follow-up anthology of three hard-hitting plays to Singh’s successful drama anthology Durban Dialogues, Indian Voice (2013) which is now studied internationally. The plays selected, namely Into the Grey, Shooting and Swing cover topics such as social activism, the death of a friend and discrimination in sport. Described through Singh’s satirical lens, these thought-provoking plays bring us up to date with the challenges of life in post-Apartheid South Africa. They focus particularly on people of Indian origin and their relationships with other South African communities and chart the loss of ideals in the dream of the Rainbow nation. Into the Grey: A harrowing drama depicting the twenty-nine year association between two Durban activists who battle a variety of challenges as their country stumbles towards a bleak future. Shooting: A one-man play about the unchanging paradigm in Durban’s small town communities in the early years of democracy as a football prodigy’s dream is brutally shattered. Swing: A two-hander about the relationship between a mixed-race Durban tennis player and her father/coach as they confront many obstacles in a society which undervalues the girl-child.

A dual language edition in English and French. The genocide in Rwanda shocked the world. Back then, Ery Nzaramba was only a teenager and his family’s escape to Europe turned him into a “survivor”. How should he now respond to questions about who he is and where he comes from? In this autobiographical one-man play, performed to acclaim on the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the author journeys back to his Rwandan childhood. With the help of a cassette player, he brings to life nearly a dozen characters, exploring memories of kinship, cultural attitudes and personal identity. Both funny and poignant, the play highlights not only the intolerance that can breed violence and war but also the importance of power and privilege in the struggle for survival. Le génocide au Rwanda a choqué le monde. ? l'époque, Ery Nzaramba était un adolescent. Après que sa famille se fut échappé en Europe, il est devenu un ?survivant?. Désormais, que doit-il répondre à des questions sur qui il est et d'où il vient? Dans ce one-man show autobiographique, salué par la critique lors de sa présentation au Festival d'?dimbourg, l'auteur retourne vers son enfance au Rwanda. Accompagné d'un lecteur cassette, il donne vie à une bonne douzaine de personnages, explorant souvenirs de famille et d'affinités, attitudes culturelles et identité. ? la fois poignante et pleine d'humour, la pièce met en lumière non seulement l'intolérance qui peut engendrer violence et guerre, mais aussi l'importance du privilège dans la lutte pour la survie.

Classic Plays by Women: an anthology of the best plays by female dramatists from 1600-2000 Staged in theatres by successive generations and proving relevant to contemporary audiences, the plays demonstrate the wit, theatrical skill and innovation of their creators in exploring timeless topics from marriage, morality and money to class conflict, rage and sexual desire. An essential resource for students, playwrights, colleges, universities and libraries, this collection also provides theatres with the opportunity to programme a range of theatrical classics by women. Plays from: Hroswitha’s Paphnutius (extract); Elizabeth Cary’s The Tragedy of Mariam(extract); Aphra Behn’s The Rover; Susanna Centlivre’s A Bold Stroke For A Wife; Joanna Baillie’s De Montfort; Githa Sowerby’s Rutherford and Son; Enid Bagnold’s The Chalk Garden; Caryl Churchill’s Top Girls (extract); Marie Jones’ Stones in his Pockets. ?

Mayflower Street runs between Jamaica Road and the Thames in Bermondsey, South London. In 1939, 34 houses and 121 residents occupied the street. Between 1940 and 1941 bombs fell on 7 of these houses and at the end of war, the street – with its corner shop, was demolished. Using personal testimony, physical theatre and the combined skills of a cast of contemporary Londoners the project aims to share some of the experiences and events that made our city into the place we know today. Blackbirds is the play that emerged from the London Bubble Theatre's research and interviews of South Londoners who lived through the Blitz between 1940 and 1941.

A collection of six plays dealing with the new South Africa, published in 2006 to celebrate 10 years of democracy post-apartheid. Plays about racial conflict, the impact of AIDS, power and corruption, the legacy of the past and female identity. Reprinted 2012, 2019. ? The Plays The Playground?by Beverly Naidoo “…it floats on a haunting, echoing raft of traditional South African harmonies that make watching it a joyful experience as well as a thought-provoking one…”?Time Out Critics’ Choice – Pick of the Year Taxi?by Sibusiso Mamba: Edinburgh fringe first winner “a superbly written and produced play… A fine piece of work that’s refreshingly free of cliches.”?Daily Mail, Pick of the Week Green Man Flashing?by Mike Van Graan “…This finely crafted drama tears at the heart and soul of our democracy, and rips at the underbelly of corruption and political power through its astute writing…”?Star Tonight Rejoice?by James Whylie “… the cruellest irony of all is left until the end… the same one which has spelled the death of Rejoice… And millions more.”?Friends of BBC Radio 3 What the Water Gave Me?by Rehane Abrahams “tales that retrieve ancient magics and reveal contemporary terrors…”?Cape Times To House?by Ashwin Singh: Finalist in the 2003 PANSA (Performing Arts Network of SA) Festival of Reading of New Writing (the country’s foremost playwriting contest) “To House is an important piece of theatre; in it people voice opinions that are uncomfortable and edgy. The cathartic and therapeutic value of hearing these things said aloud in a public place is part of our essential healing process and proves, once again, that art has the ability to go where angels fear to tread.”?Daily News, Durban

So you think you know all about Lady Gaga from her early successes through to her current domination of the world music scene? But do you know her real name or how she got started in the music business? What about the lyrics to her songs or the influences behind her distinctive fashion choices? Find out how much you really know about the unique Ms Gaga with the 100 challenging questions in this brilliant quiz book. This book is packed with fascinating facts that cover all aspects of the singer-songwriter's life from chart topping hits, memorable lyrics, awards and accolades to less well known personal details, so you are sure to learn something new about your favourite pop star. The Lady Gaga Quiz Book is a fitting tribute to the woman who has taken the music industry by storm and in 2010 was dubbed by Forbes as one of the most powerful celebrities in the world today. There is only one Lady Gaga and this is the must-have reference guide for all of her fans.

Are you a Kylie Minogue fan? Have you followed the pint size pop princess's long and successful career from Neighbours actress to chart topping singing sensation? Can you name all of her albums? Were you aware that Kylie had written a children's book and can you reel off the title of her autobiography? Do you know exactly how tall she is? If so then this quiz book is just what you need to find out how much you really know about Kylie. This fun tribute contains 100 thought provoking questions about the multi award winning superstar and covers all aspects of Kylie's life, including TV and film appearances, world tours, chart positions, accolades and personal details. You are certain to find out something new about your favourite songster so be prepared for one or two surprises. Packed with fascinating facts, The Kylie Minogue Quiz Book is as informative as it is entertaining and is a must have for all music fans. If you like Kylie you will love this book.

Are you an expert on Take That? Have you followed every twist and turn in the amazing Take That story? Do you know all there is to know about the multi award winning, chart topping band? Then what better way to put your knowledge to the test than with the 100 questions in this quiz book, each one designed to challenge your memory of the events that have shaped the most popular UK boyband of all time. This book covers the phenomenal success of the early years to the band's break up and subsequent reunion as a four piece right through to Robbie Williams rejoining in 2010 to complete the original Take That line-up. The Take That Quiz Book is packed with information about your favourite group, including career highlights and low points, the many unforgettable hits, awards and accolades along with personal details of all the band members. This handy reference guide is must-have for all Take That fans and anyone interested in finding out more about one of the biggest success stories in recent music history.

The sitcom has proved to be one of the most enduring genres in British TV history, reflecting the social changes and national concerns of the time, and has brought many memorable and much-loved characters to our screens. Who can forget iconic figures like Frank Spencer, Basil Fawlty and Reggie Perrin or the antics of the Trotters, the Meldrews and the staff of Grace Brothers' department store, to name but a few? The 1,000 questions in The British TV Sitcom Quiz book will test your knowledge of your favourite series from yesteryear to the current day. From Steptoe and Son, Dad's Army and Porridge to Absolutely Fabulous, The Office, and My Family, this book is bulging with facts that will refresh your memory and help you to recapture some of those magical moments in situation comedy. With a fitting foreword by Brian Murphy from the hilarious '70s TV show George and Mildred and Nicholas Parsons OBE, this is a must-have book for all sitcom fans.

An introduction to the history of British hip-hop as it finally escapes its reputation as the poor cousin of the American variant with a succession of hugely successful releases by the new stars of 'grime'. Alex Ogg, a notable author in this field having previously written The Hip Hop Years (and been a consultant on the accompanying BAFTA nominated documentary strand), The Men Behind Def Jam and Rap Lyrics: From The Sugarhill Gang to Eminem, is a long-term commentator on the global breakout of hip-hop. His latest book explores the unique factors at play in the development of this subculture, tracing it right back to the first key releases in the early 80s, to the false dawn of the early 90s, and finally the spectacular success of grime in the last two years. Key landmarks are addressed along that timeline, and important recordings and incidents appraised, including many first-hand quotes. The ill-defined and much misunderstood 'grime' genre is placed in a specific historical context, as well as sections on trip-hop and other contributory/parallel British musics. As well as offering a comprehensive foundation for those who wish to investigate this phenomenon, Ogg provides a recommended listening list as well as snapshots of the new heroes of grime, from Dizzee Rascal and Tinchy Snyder to Tinie Tempah.

Are you a fan of horse racing? Do the origins of this action-packed sport intrigue you? Would you like to find out more about the horses, riders and trainers involved in the famous races? If so, you are certain to enjoy 101 Interesting Facts on the History of Horse Racing. It's a chronological journey from the earliest days of racing. Read about racing before the days of the thoroughbred; the first recorders of racing; the mystery of the foundation stallions; the origin of grey horses; twins; the early bookmakers and other Turf personalities; the American Godolphin Arabian; the truth behind the origins of the Grand National and who was the real winner of the 1880 Derby. The answers can all be found in this informative new book along with many more fascinating facts about the history of racing. This book is packed with carefully researched, detailed information about all aspects of racing including famous runners, breeders, owners, jockeys and much more, so that you can't fail to learn something new. This is a must-have book for anyone with an interest in racing.

Are you a fan of Ellie Goulding? Have you followed Ellie's steady rise to fame from the release of her debut album in 2010 to current chart success? Would you like to find out more about the talented singer-songwriter and instrumentalist? If you answered yes to any of the above questions, you won't want to be without The Ellie Goulding Quiz Book. Can you name Ellie's second studio album, released in 2012? What BRIT award was Ellie nominated for, and subsequently won, in 2010? Do you know how many instruments Ellie can play? The 100 similar questions in this quiz book have been researched and compiled to test your knowledge of your favourite star and so that you can get to know her better. Bringing you up to date with all the music, events and activities of this popular and versatile performer, this book is packed with information. A fun and entertaining book for the whole family and a must-have for Ellie Goulding fans from five to 95.

Were you a fan of the 1980s' cult American series Magnum P.I.? Can you remember the names of the four main characters? Was Magnum P.I. one of your favourite TV shows from yesteryear? If so, you won't want to be without this new quiz book. What was Magnum's iconic Hawaiian shirt called? Who was the original composer of the Magnum P.I. theme song? In which major film was actor Tom Selleck originally cast? The answers to these questions and more can all be found inside The Magnum P.I. Quiz Book. With 300 questions on the characters, the actors who brought them to life, writers, episodes, guest stars, cars and much more Magnum related trivia, this book will take you back in time as you relive all those memorable moments from Magnum P.I. Full of facts about the show that had audiences across the globe glued to their screens, this book will tell you everything you ever wanted to know about the award-winning, iconic TV series. This is a must-have for Magnum P.I. fans of all ages.

This short biography of the famous composer Richard Wagner details his life, his works and gives the reader an interesting guide to the style that defined this master of operas and other musical works. This version has been specifically edited and formatted for today's e-readers, and makes an excellent addition to any music-related book collection.

This short biography of the famous composer Frederic Chopin (by none other than Franz Liszt!) details his life, his works and gives the reader an interesting guide to the style that defined this master of composing for the piano. This version has been specifically edited and formatted for today's e-readers, and makes an excellent addition to any music-related book collection.

Dennis Loraine died in self-imposed obscurity in South London. During the last three decades of his life he slept with a revolver under his pillow. Dennis's childhood in a Bristol orphanage gave him a thirst for success. The University of Life, however, made him cabin boy, code-breaker and actor. By his early thirties he had married four times and fathered a dozen children. He maintained a lavish lifestyle by preying on older women. He became a trusted friend of the famous and wanted to be like them. With his partner, screen idol and Oscar winner George Sanders, he created the Company of Cads which was to become the driving force behind the greatest financial scandal of the 1960's. Celebrity investors, who included world famous author Graham Greene and silent movie legend Charlie Chaplin, had their careers compromised. The Cads also took millions from the public purse. When the company collapsed Dennis went underground as a US Secret Service mole and was instrumental in bringing to justice those behind the biggest counterfeiting operation in US history. As a consequence of this, and a possible attempt to embarrass a future Prime Minister, the Cads scandal was whitewashed and none of the principals were brought to justice in the UK. As Dennis Loraine's oldest son, I am uniquely placed to tell his story. The intention throughout is to excavate the truth and to reveal something of the world in which my father lived and moved. Significant events are corroborated by solid documentary evidence.

Are you a fan of John Newman? Have you followed his progress through the charts from the release of his debut single to receiving three Brit award nominations? Would you like to find out more about the talented singer and musician? If so, The John Newman Quiz Book is definitely for you. The trademark streak in John's hair was originally a tribute to which soulful female artist who had a similar blonde streak? How did John celebrate 'Love Me Again' reaching number 1 in the UK singles charts? At what overseas festival did John headline in July 2014? The answers to these questions and more can all be found in this fun quiz book. John has been steadily building up a dedicated following ever since he featured on Rudimental's chart-topping single 'Feel the Love'. Since then, John's popularity has continued to rise so make sure that you are the first to find out all about the distinctive artist. With 100 questions all about your favourite singer, this is a must-have book for John's growing fanbase.

Are you a snooker fan? Do you play regularly? Are you familiar with the rules and terminology of snooker? Would you like to know more about the professional players who make the game look so easy? If you answered yes to any of these questions you won't want to be without 101 Things You May Not Have Known About Snooker.Do you know how snooker got its name, who is the only player so far to have won the world title at junior, amateur and professional level or which five players have achieved a maximum 147 break at the World Professional Snooker Championships? This fascinating new book has the answers, along with everything you ever wanted to know about snooker, including all the top snooker players past and present, their nicknames, history of the game, championship winners and losers and much more.This book is a must-have for all those who enjoy watching or taking part in this game of skill and would like to learn more about the professional circuit.