James Saunders is one of the most challenging experimentalists of the post-World War II new wave of British drama. His work in the 1960s and 1970s exemplifies the general change of direction from the theater of the absurd to a theater of social concern. Throughout, Saunders has been an essentially avant-garde writer, exploring the nature of theatrically and the possibilities of audience involvement. His plays are also among the most rhetorically stylish of the period.

James A. Saunders was born in Islington in the East End of London to Walter Percival and Dorcas Geraldine Warren Saunders. He was educated at Wembley County School and went on to read science at Southampton University but did not complete his degree. While at Southampton he began writing plays, a practice he continued while working at Davis's Tutorial College in London. In 1963 the success of Next Time I'll Sing to You enabled...