Modern Play 'Underdog: The Other Brontë' Explores Sibling Rivalry and Bond of Brontë Sisters

The National Theatre is currently staging 'Underdog: The Other Brontë,' a modern play by Sarah Gordon that examines the complex relationship between the famous Brontë sisters - Charlotte, Emily, and Anne - as they maneuvered the male-dominated literary world of 19th-century England. The play, featuring a diverse cast and gender-fluid roles, sheds light on the struggles and challenges faced by these talented women writers in an era when authorship was considered a male domain.

Set in the 1800s, the story is told from the perspective of Charlotte Brontë, portrayed as an insecure and ambitious writer determined to become the 'celebrity author' of the family. The play highlights the sibling rivalry between the sisters, particularly focusing on Charlotte's refusal to allow the republication of her sister Anne's novel 'The Tenant of Wildfell Hall' after her untimely death.

The Brontë sisters initially published their debut novels under male pseudonyms to avoid the prejudices and discrimination faced by women writers at the time. "The play explores the sexism and challenges the Brontë sisters encountered as women writers in a time when authorship was considered a male preserve," the play's description states.

Why this matters: 'Underdog: The Other Brontë' offers a fresh and modern perspective on the lives and works of the Brontë sisters, shedding light on the gender inequalities and societal barriers they faced as women writers in the 19th century. The play's diverse cast and gender-fluid roles add a contemporary twist, making it relevant and relatable to today's audiences.

Sarah Gordon's play not only showcases the literary talents of the Brontë sisters but also examines the complexities of their familial bond and the impact of their struggles on their personal and professional lives. 'Underdog: The Other Brontë' promises to be a thought-provoking and engaging theatrical experience, offering a new lens through which to view the lives and legacies of these remarkable women writers.

Key Takeaways

• National Theatre stages 'Underdog: The Other Brontë,' a modern play on Brontë sisters.
• Play explores sibling rivalry, sexism, and challenges faced by women writers in 19th century.
• Brontë sisters initially published under male pseudonyms to avoid prejudices against women writers.
• Play offers a fresh, modern perspective on Brontë sisters' lives and works.
• Play features diverse cast, gender-fluid roles, and promises a thought-provoking theatrical experience.