Edward Bond

Thomas Edward Bond was an English playwright, theatre director, poet, dramatic theorist and screenwriter. He was born in Holloway, London, into a working-class family, and his experiences growing up during the Second World War profoundly influenced his worldview and writing. He left school at the age of 15 and worked in various jobs, including as a factory worker, before discovering his interest in writing. Bond’s career began in the 1960s, and he quickly became known for his socially and politically charged works that examine themes of violence, power, and injustice.

Bond’s breakthrough came with Saved (1965), a play that led to controversy and censorship due to its stark portrayal of brutality, which established him as a fearless writer. Throughout his career, he authored numerous plays, including Early Morning (1968), Lear (1971), and The Sea (1973), many of which were staged at the Royal Court Theatre. Bond also wrote screenplays and television scripts, with his work consistently confronting social and political issues.