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Please Don't Use the Word "Modern" to Describe Plays

Phil Foster

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Published in Fracked : Or: Please Don T Use The F Word (Modern Plays)

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I've been seeing a lot of articles and blog posts lately that use the word "modern" to describe plays. And while I understand the impulse to use this term to describe plays that are new or different, I think it's important to avoid using this term. Here's why:

1. "Modern" is a vague term. What does it mean to be a "modern" play? Is it a play that was written in the last 10 years? The last 20 years? The last 50 years? There's no clear consensus on what constitutes a "modern" play, so using this term can be confusing and misleading.

Fracked!: Or: Please Don't Use the F-Word (Modern Plays)

by Alistair Beaton

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2. "Modern" is a value judgment. When we use the word "modern," we're often making a value judgment about the play. We're saying that it's better than older plays, or that it's more relevant to our current time. But this is a subjective judgment, and not everyone will agree with it. By using the term "modern," we're imposing our own values on the play and potentially alienating people who don't share those values.

3. "Modern" can be exclusionary. When we use the term "modern," we're often excluding plays that are not new or different. We're saying that these plays are not as good as "modern" plays, or that they're not as relevant to our current time. This can be discouraging to playwrights who are writing plays in traditional styles or who are exploring different themes. It can also make it difficult for audiences to find plays that they might enjoy.

So what should we use instead of the word "modern"? Here are a few suggestions:

New. This is a simple and straightforward way to describe a play that was written recently.
Contemporary. This term can be used to describe plays that are set in the present day or that deal with contemporary issues.
Innovative. This term can be used to describe plays that use new or different techniques or that explore new themes.
Experimental. This term can be used to describe plays that are pushing the boundaries of what theater can be.

By using these more specific terms, we can avoid the problems associated with the word "modern." We can be more precise in our language, we can avoid making value judgments, and we can be more inclusive. So next time you're writing about a play, please don't use the word "modern." Use a more specific term that accurately describes the play and that doesn't exclude other plays.

Here are some examples of how to use these terms in a sentence:

The new play by Sarah Jones is a powerful exploration of the refugee crisis.
The contemporary play by David Mamet is a scathing indictment of American capitalism.
The innovative play by Anne Washburn uses a non-linear narrative structure to tell the story of a woman's life.
The experimental play by Richard Foreman is a challenging but rewarding exploration of the nature of reality.

I hope this article has been helpful. Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.

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