Kitchen sink drama is a term used to describe a genre of literature, film, and television that emerged in the 1950s and 1960s in Britain. It focuses on the lives of working-class or lower-middle-class individuals and their struggles with everyday problems. The term itself refers to the idea of bringing the mundane and domestic aspects of life into the forefront, often portraying gritty and realistic scenarios. In this article, we will explore the characteristics and examples of this popular genre.Kitchen Sink Drama: Definition, Characteristics, and Examples
Kitchen sink drama is a popular trope in television, particularly in British shows. It often features dysfunctional families, troubled relationships, and gritty social issues. The term was first coined by cultural critic Raymond Williams in his book "Drama from Ibsen to Brecht." Some of the most well-known examples of kitchen sink dramas in television include "Coronation Street," "Shameless," and "EastEnders."Kitchen Sink Drama - TV Tropes
The kitchen sink drama genre is also prevalent in literature and other forms of art. It often portrays the struggles of ordinary people in everyday life, dealing with issues such as poverty, domestic violence, and unemployment. Some notable examples of kitchen sink dramas in literature include "Look Back in Anger" by John Osborne, "A Taste of Honey" by Shelagh Delaney, and "Saturday Night and Sunday Morning" by Alan Sillitoe.Kitchen Sink Drama - Literature and Arts
The kitchen sink drama genre has a strong presence in British theater, with numerous productions and adaptations over the years. It is known for its realistic and often controversial subject matter, challenging traditional theater conventions. Some of the most famous kitchen sink dramas in theater include "A Clockwork Orange" by Anthony Burgess, "The Caretaker" by Harold Pinter, and "The Entertainer" by John Osborne.Kitchen Sink Drama - British Theatre Guide
The term kitchen sink drama was first used in the Encyclopedia Britannica in 1960. It described a new type of British drama that focused on the lives of ordinary people and their struggles. This style of drama was a departure from the more traditional and upper-class themes that were prevalent in British theater at the time.Kitchen Sink Drama - Encyclopedia Britannica
The Guardian, a British newspaper, has been known for its coverage and reviews of kitchen sink dramas over the years. It has championed the genre for its realistic and gritty portrayal of working-class life and the issues faced by ordinary people. The newspaper has also highlighted the social and cultural impact of kitchen sink dramas in British society.Kitchen Sink Drama - The Guardian
The Oxford Reference dictionary defines kitchen sink drama as a "genre of British drama that emerged in the 1950s, characterized by realistic and gritty portrayal of working-class life and domestic issues." This definition highlights the key characteristics of the genre and its roots in British culture and society.Kitchen Sink Drama - Oxford Reference
The New York Times, a leading American newspaper, has also covered kitchen sink dramas over the years. It has discussed the influence of this genre on American television and theater, as well as its impact on social and cultural issues. The newspaper has also featured reviews and analysis of specific productions and adaptations of kitchen sink dramas.Kitchen Sink Drama - The New York Times
The British Library, the national library of the United Kingdom, has a vast collection of works related to kitchen sink drama. It includes books, plays, scripts, and other materials that showcase the development and evolution of this genre. The library also holds events and exhibitions that explore the social and cultural significance of kitchen sink dramas.Kitchen Sink Drama - The British Library
The Independent, a British online news publication, has also covered kitchen sink dramas in its articles and reviews. It has discussed the rise and fall of the genre over the years, as well as its impact on popular culture. The publication has also highlighted the diversity and range of themes and issues portrayed in kitchen sink dramas.Kitchen Sink Drama - The Independent