NEAPTIDE

by Sarah Daniels

“Neaptide races from domestic trauma to staff-room banter … it bursts with provocative ideas and disturbing questions about human relationships. Most important, it shows that the facade of liberalism and emancipation is merely a translucent gloss.” Jewish ChronicleClaire is a history teacher at a local school where two teenage girls have come out. Their principal, Bea Grimble, is none too impressed, and aims to have them expelled. Claire, who had been hiding the fact that she is homosexual, speaks up on behalf of the this in spite of the fact that she is fighting her ex-husband Lawrence for custody of their daughter, the precocious and happy Poppy.All around Claire hardened attitudes are challenged – and confirmed – as she must decide whether to try to maintain a position of honesty, and battle hypocrisy, from within the bounds of the law, or without.A modern story of custody battles, sexual identity and gender politics, framed around the ancient myth of Demeter and her daughter Persephone.Neaptide was the winner of the 1982 George Devine Award and became the first play by a living female writer to be performed at the National Theatre, London, in 1986.This Modern Classics edition feature a new introduction by Dr Carina Bartleet.

Genres: Plays

48 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1986

About the author

Sarah Daniels (born November 1956 in London [1]) is a British dramatist. She has been a prolific writer since her first professionally performed play, Ripen Our Darkness, was given a production at the Royal Court in 1981.

Reviews

[Noah · Rating 2 out of 5]

The concept (a lesbian fighting a custody battle for her daughter) is very relevant to the ‘80s. Way too many characters (15+ separate actors in the original production). Preachy at times & wraps up too quickly and neatly.

[Ergün · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best feminist works of all time. This was my first book of Sarah Daniels, and I don't think I will be content with only this one.

[Cori Diaz · Rating 2 out of 5]

sucked

[pluto (elif) · Rating 2 out of 5]

bored me to death

[louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

[ novembre 2025 ]

you don't understand I AM OBSESSED WITH SARAH DANIELS NOW

one of, if not the best play i've ever read; it was extremely funny, relatable, all of that; i recommend daniel's plays to everyone who wants to get into radical feminist theatre

can hardly believe it was written fourty years ago...