Blasted, Scene 1 Summary

This collection contains the five plays an one screenplay that constitute Sarah Kane's total canon. These works have a common set of themes and motifs, though their settings vary from modern England to a sort of metaphysical concentration camp to the nether-space of the disturbed mind. They are characterized by degradation, violence, suicide, and gallows humor.

"Blasted" takes place in a modern expensive hotel room in Leeds, England. Ian, a violent racist tabloid reporter, brings the childlike Cate here for a romantic escape as an undefined battle commences outside. The author implies that ethnic minorities - like those engages in civil was in the Balkans in the 1990s - are seizing control of Leeds. After Cate and Ian arrive at the hotel, Ian pours himself a drink, unholsters his gun, and takes a shower. In his absence, Cate examines the room...