When Katherine Brewed, a Play: Telling the Story of the Peasants’ Revolt and Today’s New Radical Theatre

Mark O'Brien
Open Book Publishers
2025-06-27

In the sweltering heat of 1381, England's feudal foundations trembled as the Peasants' Revolt erupted—a rebellion that would forever echo through history. Triggered by an oppressive poll tax but fuelled by deeper injustices, this uprising saw land workers, artisans, and commoners rise to challenge the authority of landowners, church, and crown. 'When Katherine Brewed' brings this momentous event to life on stage, blending historical fidelity with a bold, radical perspective.

Drawing from chronicles and centuries of literary reinterpretation, this devised play reveals the struggles of the forgotten: those who dared to dream of a world free from exploitation and tyranny. Through the lens of class struggle and solidarity, the story of Wat Tyler, John Ball, and their fellow rebels unfolds, exposing the duplicity of rulers and the undying hope of those who resist.

Echoing the spirit of radical theatre traditions, this play reimagines this medieval rebellion with contemporary relevance, urging audiences to reflect on enduring issues of inequality and power. Both an homage to the past and a rallying cry for the future, this production is as much a tribute to those who fought as it is an invitation to envision a world transformed. Witness history, and the lessons it still holds.

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Keywords

  • Literary studies: plays and playwrights
  • Theatre studies
  • Political ideologies and movements
  • Social classes
  • European history: medieval period, middle ages
  • Theatre studies
  • European history: medieval period, middle ages
  • Social and cultural history
  • Behaviourism, Behavioural theory
  • Class Struggle
  • Katherine Brewed
  • Medieval History
  • Peasants' Revolt
  • Political Representation
  • Radical Theatre

When Katherine Brewed, a Play: Telling the Story of the Peasants’ Revolt and Today’s New Radical Theatre

Mark O'Brien

Open Book Publishers

2025-06-27

CC BY-NC-ND

In the sweltering heat of 1381, England's feudal foundations trembled as the Peasants' Revolt erupted—a rebellion that would forever echo through history. Triggered by an oppressive poll tax but fuelled by deeper injustices, this uprising saw land workers, artisans, and commoners rise to challenge the authority of landowners, church, and crown. 'When Katherine Brewed' brings this momentous event to life on stage, blending historical fidelity with a bold, radical perspective.

Drawing from chronicles and centuries of literary reinterpretation, this devised play reveals the struggles of the forgotten: those who dared to dream of a world free from exploitation and tyranny. Through the lens of class struggle and solidarity, the story of Wat Tyler, John Ball, and their fellow rebels unfolds, exposing the duplicity of rulers and the undying hope of those who resist.

Echoing the spirit of radical theatre traditions, this play reimagines this medieval rebellion with contemporary relevance, urging audiences to reflect on enduring issues of inequality and power. Both an homage to the past and a rallying cry for the future, this production is as much a tribute to those who fought as it is an invitation to envision a world transformed. Witness history, and the lessons it still holds.

Download Formats

Included in Packages

Topics

  • Literary studies: plays and playwrights
  • Theatre studies
  • Political ideologies and movements
  • Social classes
  • European history: medieval period, middle ages
  • Theatre studies
  • European history: medieval period, middle ages
  • Social and cultural history
  • Behaviourism, Behavioural theory
  • Class Struggle
  • Katherine Brewed
  • Medieval History
  • Peasants' Revolt
  • Political Representation
  • Radical Theatre