Why is Hanif Kureishi an important figure in British theater

1. Please read the following play BORDERLINE by Hanif Kureishi

Synopsis: Set in the aftermath of the Southall riots of the late 70s/early 80s, Hanif Kureishi’s BORDERLINE tackles fascism in the UK through the eyes of the British Asian community in London. As the fascists plan a public meeting in the community center at the heart of the British Asian community, the young people in the community struggle to determine the best way to respond and retaliate. In the words of the playwright, “the idea was to show the community through its differences: different ages, political outlooks, and different hopes for the future, interweaving numerous characters and points of view.” Kureishi is an award-winning author, playwright, and screen-writer, best known for his novel THE BUDDHA OF SUBURBIA, his Oscar-winning screenplay MY BEAUTIFUL LAUNDRETTE, and for his short story MY SON, THE FANATIC (which was adapted into a film by Mira Nair).

2. Watch the following interview with the playwright/author/filmmaker:

https://www.bl.uk/20th-century-literature/videos/interview-with-hanif-kureishi

3. Read the following article about the play:

https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2006/apr/22/theatre.hanifkureishi

4. Answer the following questions

Why is Hanif Kureishi an important figure in British literature/theater/film? What is Borderline about? How do you think this play is relevant today?