In the wake of this year’s general election, Women, Power And Politics is a new season examining the history and current role of women in politics in the UK through 12 different plays and associated events.

The plays are divided into two parts, to be presented on alternate evenings.

The first part, entitled Then, explores the historical aspects of women and politics and features four new plays:

The Lioness, by Rebecca Lenkiewicz, looks at Queen Elizabeth I’s position as a woman in a male world, showing her as both a woman and a leader and following her encounters with two men, John Knox and Essex.

The Milliner And The Weaver, by Marie Jones, explores the Suffragette movement in Ireland as seen through the eyes of two women on opposite sides of the Home Rule debate.

Handbagged, by Moira Buffini, speculates on the relationship between two very powerful and private women, Margaret Thatcher and Queen Elizabeth II.

Bloody Wimmin, by Lucy Kirkwood, looks at the legacy of the protests at Greenham Common and explores their impact on the progress of the women’s movement.

For more about Women, Power And Politics, read the First Night Feature or Director Indhu Rubasingham on programming the season.