Disciplinary power and the role of the gaze in caryl Churchill's Softcops (1978)‎

Abstract EN

Caryl Churchill's softcops premiered in 1984 at the barbican theatre by the royal Shakespeare company.

the play is set in the 19th-century France.

this study investigates subtle methods of surveillance adopted by disciplinary institutions to control individuals' bodies and minds.

it seeks to examine the play in the light of Michel Foucault’s discipline and punish (1978), which scrutinizes punitive practices in the modern western penal system, and the evolution of punishment from public executions in the 18th century to the covert surveillance methods employed in 19th century disciplinary institutions such as prisons, schools, and hospitals.

the study offers an analysis of the play, focusing on power dynamics within the prison setting and their implications for broader societal contexts.

furthermore, it explores the use of subtle contemporary practices that go unnoticed, thereby reducing resistance and perpetuating authoritarian norms in modern society.

the play examines themes of domination, methods of surveillance through the portrayal of a dystopian society, where state authorities maintain order through aggressive punitive measures.

softcops begins by the imposition of harsh regulations targeting the bodies of prisoners, culminating in their adoption of self-discipline, and emphasizing the impact of constant surveillance.

the study reveals the impact of punitive measures and constant surveillance on the characters' behaviors, bodies, and minds, implying that authoritarian regimes operate by normalizing self-policing to avoid public punishment.