Science Fiction on Stage: Dystopia in Caryl Churchill’s Far Away

Most people do not think of drama as science fiction and fantasy, and although science fictiondoes not really exist as a genre in theatre in the same way it does in the world of fiction orcinema, theatre - from its first existence - has lent itself to fantasy. The British playwright, CarylChurchill (1938- ) in one of the most innovative dramatists; she has written a great number ofplays that have been associated with feminist, surrealist and postmodern theatre. She is knownfor her social, ecological, political and moral commitment, and her drama is widely recognizedfor surrealist experimentation, exploration of language and abandoning realist approaches. FarAway (2000) is a dystopian vision of a world turned against itself, where there is an on-goingwar of all against all. The play is mysterious and powerful with an extraordinary element ofdarkness, posing an intriguing question: how far away we are from this world of paranoia, hatredand loss. The audience is engaged in a search for answers and significance of this dramaticexperience.