False Memory Syndrome and Therapeutic Malpractice in Arnold Wesker's Denial

초록

This article examines Arnold Wesker's play Denial (2000), discussing its contribution to the False Memory Syndrome (FMS) debate and its use of confrontational theatre to maximise the thematic focus. The play was written after Wesker learned of a daughter's accusations of parental sexual abuse, following her "recovery" of repressed memories during therapy. An epidemic of such cases was identified in the 1980s and 90s, sparking a heated dispute between advocates of Recovered Memory Therapy (RMT), FMS researchers and broken families. Despite conflicting interpretations generated by Denial, the study argues that Wesker's play presents both sides of the issue, while recognising the prevalence of child sexual abuse in contemporary society. Wesker's masterly exposition of the issues involved is provocative and well-researched, indicating that the time is ripe for a revival of his later plays, often disregarded in favour of his earlier anti-establishment plays of the 1950s and 60s.

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