Trying It On

David Edgar is one of the UK’s leading political playwrights. In Trying It On, David imagines what his 20 year old self might think of his generation’s actions over the past 50 years, exploring the left, politics, youth, ageing, revolution and reaction through interviews conducted with activists past and present.

Are we the same person? If not, when and why not? If so, can either of us bear it?

It’s 1968. David is 20 and in his second year at university. It is the height of the worldwide student revolt. The Vietnam war rages. Powell delivers his “rivers of blood” speech. Martin Luther King is assassinated. These events will define David’s politics and give focus to his writing.

It’s 50 years on and the 70 year old is confronted by the 20 year old. Do they share the same beliefs? If not, is it the world that’s changed, or David himself? Why did his generation vote for Brexit? Has he sold in or sold out?