Looking for Githa

by Patricia Riley

When Githa Sowerby's first play, Rutherford & Son, made its debut in London's West End in 1912, critics hailed her as a talent to compare with Ibsen. At a time when women were commonly believed to be put on this earth to bear children and run the home, she broke the mould. And yet within her own lifetime this unique Tyneside playwright; the grand-daughter of the founder of Gateshead's world-famous Sowerby's Ellison Glass Works, faded from public view. Published to coincide with the first ever Tyneside production of Rutherford & Son, this long overdue biography is the first ever to examine Githa Sowerby's life and works.

156 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Maren · Rating 4 out of 5]

A concise and insightful biography of the little-known playwright Githa Sowerby. Filled with original research it opens a window on the life of this playwright who deserves greater recognition for her plays such as Rutherford and Son and The Stepmother. When I found my copy there were very few available so I hope it is reprinted and available for a general public and theatermakers alike.

[Duncan Maccoll · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written, well researched biography. Riley has great interest in the theatre and has translated this passion well into this book.