"In the end I think theatre has only one subject: justice"

Edward Bond’s assertion that theatre ultimately converges on the theme of justice is a profound observation about the nature and purpose of dramatic art. Theatre, in Bond’s view, serves as a mirror for society, challenging audiences to reconsider the structure of their lives and to confront the consequences of their collective actions. Justice, then, becomes a lens through which human behavior, social order, and power are scrutinized and questioned.

Through its unique ability to dramatize conflict, theatre often presents stories where injustices are laid bare, individuals wronged by society, institutions that oppress, and systems that marginalize. The tension between what is and what should be animates the stage, compelling audiences to empathize with those affected and consider their own complicity. Even comedies and tragedies alike recurrently explore ideas of retribution, fairness, and the possibility of redemption.

Theatre’s live, communal aspect makes its exploration of justice distinct; spectators share a space with performers, bearing witness to dilemmas that may echo real-life issues. The immediacy of a performance creates an emotional resonance, demanding that audiences not only intellectually understand the plight of the characters but also feel the weight of injustice as a lived experience.

Bond’s career is marked by plays that engage head-on with social and ethical crises, often focusing on how individuals and communities respond to suffering or violence. His view suggests that at the core of every narrative lies a reckoning with how we treat one another, the fairness of our laws, and our willingness to challenge or perpetuate wrongs.

In upholding justice as the central subject of theatre, Bond elevates drama beyond entertainment. Theatre becomes a vital space for debate, reflection, and the cultivation of empathy. It asks urgent questions about the moral balance of society, urging its audience to imagine, and perhaps strive for, a world shaped by deeper understanding and fairness.