East (play)

East is a play written by British playwright Steven Berkoff. First performed in 1975, it's a visceral and energetic exploration of working-class life in London's East End. The play utilizes a heightened, poetic language infused with Cockney rhyming slang and a distinct theatrical style borrowing heavily from mime, physical theatre, and Brechtian techniques.

The play centers on the lives of the dysfunctional family – Dad, Mum, and their two sons, Mike and Les – and their interactions with each other and the outside world. Key themes include family relationships, violence, sexual frustration, boredom, and the struggle for identity within a marginalized community. The characters are often presented as archetypes, exaggerated for comedic and dramatic effect.

Berkoff's writing in East is known for its raw honesty and unflinching portrayal of the darker aspects of urban life. The play rejects naturalism, employing stylized movement and stylized speech to create a theatrical experience that is both shocking and engaging. The fast-paced dialogue, physical comedy, and moments of intense emotion combine to make East a powerful and influential work in modern British theatre.