The Plastic People of the Universe and Utopian Performance in Tom Stoppard's Rock ‘n’ Roll

What is it about?

This article examines how Tom Stoppard’s 2006 play Rock ‘n’ Roll uses the music of the Czechoslovakian rock band the Plastic People of the Universe during live theatrical performances. The article begins by discussing autobiographical stories the Plastic People have told about themselves. Then, it examines how the band’s songs and live performances produced a utopic space that the band fondly called a “velvet underground.” This background helps us understand the context of Stoppard's play. The second half of the article turns to Stoppard's play and breaks down the role of music in live shows. Reading Rock ‘n’ Roll's use of rock music through the lens of the Plastic People's songs and stories reveals that live performances of Rock ‘n’ Roll recreate the band's “velvet underground” in the present day.

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Why is it important?

Approaching Stoppard's play through the Plastic People's music uncovers the role of music in live theatre: music serves to transmit memory and history by recreating cultural spaces of the past.