Sexuality and Performance in Julian Mitchell’s "Another Country". The Love That Asks No Question

Term Paper , 2010 , 10 Pages , Grade: 1,3

English Language and Literature Studies - Literature

"Another Country," a groundbreaking play by Julian Mitchell, debuted at Greenwich Theatre in London in 1981, catapulting the previously lesser-known playwright into the spotlight. This paper explores the play's significance as a cultural landmark, tracing its trajectory from the Greenwich Theatre to the West End and its recognition at the 1982 Society of West End Theatre Awards.

The play, loosely based on the life of Guy Burgess, a member of the Cambridge Five spy ring, unfolds in an English all-boys public school in the early 1930s. Mitchell intricately examines the impact of the school's strict hierarchies and hypocritical stance on homosexuality on the protagonist's life. The narrative delves into the codes of silence surrounding sexual activities in public schools, suggesting that such environments taught boys the art of concealment and, in extreme cases, led to acts of betrayal against their country.

This paper aims to unravel Mitchell's claims by investigating the incorporation of social criticism into the play. It delves into the questions posed by Mitchell: What is the significance of the codes of silence? How does the play critique the prevailing societal norms of the time? Lastly, the paper explores the presented image of homosexuality and espionage in "Another Country" and examines the intricate correlation between the two.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• 1 Introduction
• 2 Another Country
  • 2.1 The Play
  • 2.2 Social Criticism
  • 2.3 Homosexuality
• 3 Sexuality as Identity
• 4 Sexuality as Performance
• 5 Conclusion

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This work analyzes Julian Mitchell’s play Another Country, exploring its social commentary and representation of homosexuality in a 1930s English public school setting. The play explores the impact of the school’s strict hierarchies and hypocritical attitude towards homosexuality on the protagonist's life, linking these dynamics to themes of espionage and betrayal.

• The impact of social and institutional structures on individual identity and behavior.
• The role of performance and performativity in shaping identity, particularly in relation to sexuality.
• The hypocrisy and double standards surrounding homosexuality in a privileged and conservative environment.
• The complex relationship between personal desires, societal expectations, and political action.
• The exploration of the consequences of hiding one’s true self and the potential for rebellion or betrayal.

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• Introduction: This chapter establishes the play’s significance as a landmark work, highlighting its critical reception and impact on the careers of several actors. It introduces the play's premise and key questions explored, linking the play to the real-life story of Guy Burgess and the Cambridge Five spy ring.
• Another Country: This chapter examines the play's setting, characters, and plot, focusing on the impact of the school’s environment on the protagonist, Guy Bennett, and his relationship with his friend Tommy Judd. It explores how the school’s system of repression and hypocrisy affects their individual lives and choices.
• The Play: This section delves deeper into the play's specific details, discussing the character of Martineau and his suicide, the social dynamics within the school, and the role of “fagging” in perpetuating the existing power structures.
• Social Criticism: This section explores Mitchell's social critique of the public school system, highlighting the hypocrisy and double standards surrounding homosexuality, and the way in which the school's rigid hierarchies create an environment where conformity is valued above authenticity.
• Homosexuality: This section examines the play's representation of homosexuality in the context of the historical period, highlighting the “don’t ask, don’t tell” attitude prevalent in these schools. It explores the impact of this silence on the lives of the students, particularly in light of Martineau’s suicide.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

The key themes explored in this work include: Another Country, Julian Mitchell, homosexuality, espionage, social criticism, public schools, performativity, identity, betrayal, Cambridge Five, Guy Burgess, Anthony Blunt, British theatre, sexuality, secrecy, repression.

• College: Humboldt-University of Berlin (Centre for British Studies)
• Course: Performance and Performativity
• Grade: 1,3
• Author: Julia Reuter (Author)
• Publication Year: 2010
• Pages: 10
• Catalog Number: V1416298
• ISBN (PDF): 9783346967855
• Language: English
• Tags: Another Country, Julian Mitchell, Guy Burgess, sexuality as identity, sexuality as performance, public schools, play, Interiority, Judith Butler, Essentialism